Employees Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings

A nurse calls the next employee for a health screening at the CAC.

Veronica Preciado knew she was overdue for a checkup.  So when free health screenings were offered at the County Administration Center Tuesday, the Treasurer/Tax Collector employee made sure to pay a visit.

“I haven’t done anything like this in a long time,” she said.  “You can just come out on your break, so it’s convenient.”

The screenings are done in a mobile health vehicle that’s making nine stops at County facilities this month.  Check out the full schedule of dates and locations.  Nurses can check your blood pressure, measure your height and weight, calculate your body mass index, and check your blood sugar.  You’ll get results on the spot.

Kaiser Permanente is providing the screenings, but employees with any health insurance are welcome to participate.  Those with Kaiser can have the screening results automatically added into their patient records.  If you have Anthem Blue Cross, you can enter the results into a self-assessment on their website.

The vehicle has two exam rooms and the screening takes about 10 minutes.  You’re encouraged to make a reservation by calling (619) 641-4194 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Walk-ins are accepted.  But during Tuesday’s stop at the CAC,  there was a long enough wait that many employees who showed up made a reservation to come back later in the day.  When you go, make sure you bring your County ID badge.

The screenings are no substitute for a full physical.  But even if you’re good about making those routine doctor’s visits, it’s always worthwhile to keep tabs on key health indicators. 

“There are times when incidents come up,” said Esperanza Gregorio, a Human Resources employee.  “Instead of waiting, you can take advantage of this right away.”