Legs for Life PVD Screening Broadens Scope

In 1998, the Society for Interventional Radiology launched the Legs for Life National Screening Program, a public education initiative designed to improve the cardiovascular health of the community. The program’s initial goals were threefold: to increase the public awareness of PVD, to identify individuals suffering from the condition, and to educate primary and referring physicians regarding detection and available treatments. In 2001, the program expanded to include AAA screening, in keeping with the overall goal of improving cardiovascular health.

From its inception, the program has sought to collaborate with all vascular specialties, including the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology. These collaborating organizations recently conducted a summit aimed at increasing participation in the program among all vascular societies and medical specialties that diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease, organizations representing patients at risk, private philanthropies, nonprofit and public entities, and all parties having an express interest in the field.

Participating Legs for Life sites have screened more than 200,000 individuals for PVD to date. During the AAA pilot in 2001, approximately 11,000 people were screened for this condition as well. More than 300 million people have received information about these health concerns through Legs for Life publicity. The program is recognized by the American Radiological Nurses Association, the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention, the American Diabetes Association, the Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology, the American College of Cardiology, and the Society for Vascular Nursing.

?We recognize the positive impact that a coordinated effort would have on public healthcare,? says Peter T. Beatty, MD, the National Chairman of the Legs for Life Program. ?PVD affects over 10 million people in the United States. Early detection is important because people who have PVD are at significantly increased risk of life-threatening heart attack, stroke, and abdominal aneurysm.?
September has been designated PVD Awareness Month. The fifth annual Legs for Life National Screening Week is September 22-28, 2002. Participating hospitals and vascular centers will offer screenings free to the community. Find locations on the national Web site (www.legsforlife.org) or call (877) 357-2847. Legs for Life will coordinate its promotional effort with the national media, and provide participating hospitals with promotional materials that can be tailored for local media. If your vascular practice would like to participate in next year’s program, contact Public Communications Inc., at (312) 558-1770, to speak to a Legs for Life coordinator for your state.