photograph: In preparation for Mingo on April 18th, a new bingo spinner has been released. The Hopkins County Medical Foundation is sponsoring Mingo, and the proceeds will pay for free cardiac calcium testing for men in Hopkins County. For sponsorship information, please visit Mingo2024.GiveSmart.com.

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, and has been since 1921, according to the American Heart Association. Even more compelling is the estimate that nearly 80% of heart disease may be preventable.

Many of us may feel that our risk for heart disease is genetic. However, we may need to consider that our lifestyle choices can influence the genes that cause heart disease. Researchers know that diet has the most significant effect on increasing or decreasing the risk of heart disease. A healthy diet low in salt, sugar, and processed foods is good for your heart health.

You may have heard of a cardiac calcium scan (also called a coronary artery calcium scan or coronary artery calcium test). A technician performs this simple test on a CT scanner. Chasity Collins, director of radiology at CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital in Sulfur Springs and Winnsboro, said the criteria patients must meet to self-refer is ages 40 to 65 for men and 45 to 70 for women. He is said to be diabetic. People who currently smoke, are obese, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or have a family history of heart disease.

At CMF-SS, patients pay only $75 for the test, which is not covered by insurance.

They say knowledge is power. The results of this scan provide patients and their healthcare providers with the information they need to take control of their situation. Some patients expressed relief when they discovered that there was no calcification in their heart arteries. However, some people have benefited from this result by working with their doctors and taking immediate action to prevent heart attacks. One patient described the experience as “lifesaving.”

The Hopkins County Medical Foundation is offering Mingo, Man Bingo, to raise money for free heart calcium tests for men in Hopkins County. It also hopes to raise awareness among men and women about the benefits, low cost, ease and comfort of the test.

If you’re interested in helping local men get these tests for free, consider becoming a Mingo sponsor. For more information, visit Mingo2024.GiveSmart.com or email kayla.price@christushealth.org.