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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Nova Southeastern University to Provide Free Health Screenings for a High School in Miami
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE Fla. — Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will provide free health screenings for high school students at Miami Lakes Education Center on Friday, Oct. 17.
Conducted by NSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing’s faculty and students, hundreds of students will be tested for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, stress factors and other health risks.
The screenings, which will begin at 8 a.m., are being offered at Miami Lakes Education Center because those students are part of an underserved population who are not seen by health care professionals on a regular basis, said Hugh Rappa, M.D., an NSU professor in the physician assistant program who is overseeing the screenings.
“This population, primarily Hispanic, has a significant prevalence of diabetes mellitus, elevated blood pressure and obesity,” Rappa said. “In the past three years of providing health screenings, we have found that approximately 26 percent of all students screened have had undiagnosed conditions, such as elevated blood pressures, elevated blood glucose levels or obesity.”
Last year, NSU screened over 600 students at the high school. One student, who had elevated blood pressure, was referred to her primary care doctor. The student was eventually diagnosed with a renal tumor. Through a blood glucose screening, the parents of another student where notified that their diabetic child’s glucose levels were not being controlled.
“Through these screenings, we can help students enjoy a high quality of life in their adult years without these diseases,” Rappa said.
Contact:
Ken Ma, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5354 Office, 954-830-4177 Cell, kennma@nova.edu