by Carol Hodes

Manalapan, NJ — Health screenings sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey are underway at the farms and training centers of New Jersey.

The next stop for the CentraState Medical Center’s Health Awareness Mobile Unit will be on Monday, September 20 at Gaitway Farms from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tests available at Gaitway include blood pressure [BP], cholesterol [CH], glucose [G], visual acuity [VA] and body fat index [BF]. Additionally, flu shots will be dispensed.

The SBOANJ screenings are under the supervision of Chris Samaha of the Backstretch Community Assistance Program [BCAP] who will be on hand to arrange referrals and maintain records. The program is at no cost to the farms or training centers. The first of the eight stops was on September 13 at Tullo’s Farm.

Additional locations and the services provided:
Monday, September 20, 2010 — Gaitway Farms (11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) — BP, CH, G, F, V & BF
Monday, September 27 2010 — White Birch (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) — BP, CH, G, F & V
Monday, October 4, 2010 — Crystal Brook (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) — BP, CH, G & F
Monday, October 18, 2010 — Magical Acres (11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) — BP, CH, BF & F
Monday, October 25, 2010 — Showplace (12 p m – 3 p.m.) — Flu Vaccinations Only
Thursday, October 28, 2010 — Freehold Paddock (12 p.m. – 3 p.m.) — BP, CH & BF
Monday, December 6, 2010 — Showplace Farms (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) — BP, CH, G, F & BF
Screenings & vaccinations for Showplace will be held in the enclosed observation deck above barn J

SCREENINGS & SERVICES: (all screening results are immediate)
BP – Blood Pressure: The quickest and possibly the most important screening to check for hypertension.
BF – Body Fat Index: A composite of individual’s overall percentage of body fat.
CH – Cholesterol: Gives an overall number for cholesterol.
F – Flu Vaccinations: This year’s shot includes a vaccination for the H1N1 as well as all currently known Influenza viruses.
G – Glucose: Provides glucose numbers to screen for diabetes.
V -Visual Acuity: Checks eyesight and the possible need for corrective lenses.

For further information please contact Dr. Chris Samaha at the following locations (until December 8):
Tuesdays and Fridays at Monmouth Park – 732- 571-5376
Wednesdays [and Mondays in November] at the Meadowlands – 201-935-8500 ext. 2076
Thursdays at Showplace – 732-446-3100 ext. 42