Hop in, buckle up. When it comes to the subject of vascular health, the ’70s catchphrase “different strokes for different folks” takes on a very different and somewhat ominous meaning.

“Age, heredity, race, and lifestyle all play a part when it comes to assessing risk of stroke,” said Jordan Keefover, director of practice development for the San Diego Vascular Center. “That’s why we recommend that every person over the age of 27 get a stroke screening — especially those with a family history of the disease.”

The Vascular Center is partnering with Life Line Screening to bring a mobile facility staffed with state of the art testing equipment and medical professionals several backcountry (and ‘frontcountry’) locations over the next few weeks.

“These screenings are important because stroke strikes every 45 seconds in the U.S. and claims a life every three minutes,” said Dr. Anatoly Bulkin, a board-certified vascular surgeon at SDVC in a press release. Stroke is considered a “silent killer” in that half of all victims exhibit no symptoms.

A comprehensive series of tests will be offered for $149 and take less than an hour. A portion of the fee goes back to the facility hosting the screening.

“If the patient requires medical follow-up as a result of the screening,” Keefover noted, “Vascular Center doctors partner with dozens of insurance providers to provide needed care.”

For readers in the Ramona/Julian areas there will be a screening at 9 a.m. July 20 at the Poway Elks Lodge No. 2543 (13219 Poway Road in Poway). Fallbrook and Bonsall folks can get checked out at 9 a.m. July 25 at Zion Lutheran Church (1405 E. Fallbrook St. in Fallbrook). And Valley Center/Pauma residents can run down the hill to a screening at 9 a.m. July 27 at Community Lutheran Church (3575 E. Valley Parkway in Escondido).

More info is at www.lifelinescreening.com, or call (800) 718-0961 to make an appointment.

Also view this press release at the North County Times.