The Health/Wellness instructors of Plainfield South High School believe that good health is a key indicator for a positive lifestyle. With this in mind the school is offering an opportunity for all freshmen to be involved in cholesterol screening as part of their Freshmen Health/Wellness class.

With the assistance of Edwards Cardiovascular Institute, the test will occur on Tuesday, March 22 between 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Plainfield South High School. A Finger Stick cholesterol screen will be used to provide information about total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), and the ratio of good to bad cholesterol. All results will be sent directly to the parent/guardian.

There is a cost of $17 for the test. Payment and registration must be turned in by Tuesday, March 8. Information has been sent  This is a voluntary program.

The school is offering this opportunity because, the teachers believe it is important for young people to know the risk factors associated with high cholesterol levels. They also need to be aware of the functions of cholesterol and what HDL, LDL, and VLDL levels mean to their health.

Heart disease is responsible for 466,000 deaths annually. The American Heart Association states that there is compelling evidence that the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and progresses slowly into adulthood. There is evidence that arteriosclerosis begins in young people and that elevated cholesterol levels early in life play a role in the development of adult arteriosclerosis.

The purpose of this test will be to heighten the awareness of cholesterol levels as students enter units on fitness and lifestyle disease. Research from Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research shows that over one third of American children have levels of cholesterol that exceed the normal level. In the last four years Edwards Hospital has administer tests to 656 ninth grade students in the District 202. 32% of these students tested had cholesterol levels over 170 which is considered borderline, while 11 % were over 200 which is considered high.

For more information, please contact Plainfield South High School PE/Health Department at (815) 439-5555.