High blood pressure. Abnormal moles. Elevated PSA. To some, these words may sound like white noise in the barrage of medical health information---from health magazines to the internet---avilable to consumers. For health care professionals at Nash Health Care, these words are warning signs that signal the risk of disability or death. Elevated blood pressure can be a warning sign of stroke, abnormal moles may signal melanoma or other forms of skin cancer, and an elevated PSA may be indicative of prostate cancer.

The devastating impact of these diseases on the local community is just one reason that Nash Health Care, in conjunction with local physicians, offers FREE health screenings throughout the year.

The most recent health screening, which was for prostate cancer, drew 111 participants. The screening consisted of a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE). PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, and an elevated PSA maybe be indicative of prostate cancer. The prostate cancer screening was held in cooperation with physicians from Rocky Mount Urology Associates.

Of the 111 participants, 11 had abnormal PSA results while 7 had abnormal DREs. These participants were recommended for physician followup because their screening results could indicate the possibility of prostate cancer.

Suzanne Buchanan, community wellness coordinator, stated that there is no question that these free health screenings save lives---in fact, more than 80 percent of the participants admit that they would have not have seen a physician if it were not for the free health screenings.

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in men (lung cancer is first). One in six men will develop prostate cancer, and according to the American Cancer Society estimates, about 28,660 men will die of this disease in 2008.

For decades, Nash Health Care has been a community ally in the fight against prostate cancer, and this year, Nash Health Care added the da Vinci Surgical System as another weapon to its arsenal. The da Vinci surgical robot is powered by state-of-the-art technology that allows a surgeon's hand motions to be scaled into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site. This precision is particularly important when performing a prostatectomy---the removal of part or all of the prostate gland. Through use of the da Vinci surgical robot, a surgeon is able to utilize a state-of-the-art surgical camera and tiny surgical instruments which are operated via a virtual interface. Not only does the da Vinci procedure offer less post-operative pain and reduced blood loss, but it helps the surgeon spare delicate nerves that are associated with sexual and bladder function. (see related information on the daVinci System by going to the nhcs.org home page and clicking on the left-hand menu items).

Prostate cancer screenings aren't the only free health screenings offered by Nash Health Care. Each May, free skin cancer screenings are offered, and every other month, community residents can have access to free blood pressure screenings. For information, click on the link for Health Information, found at the top of this page.