There’s no better time to take control of your health Darien! February is American Heart Month and the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is putting a spotlight on the impact that high blood cholesterol can have on the heart.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
The CDC reminds residents that high blood cholesterol can be hard to detect, as it often shows no signs or symptoms. “Cholesterol should be checked starting early in life—even children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked,” the CDC says.
Here are some health screening resources for Darien residents, many of which offer services for free. We recommend you call ahead to assure the center is open and to find out the screenings available:
| Name | Location | Phone | Website | Hours Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimus At Inspirica | 8 Woodland Pl, Stamford | 203-388-0170 | 2.5 | |
| Health Center | 120 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk | 203-899-1770 | 52 | |
| Optimus Fairgate | 9 Fairgate Dr, Stamford | 40 | ||
| Chc Of Stamford @ Fifth Street | 22 5th St, Stamford | 860-347-6971 | 40 | |
| Optimus Harbor Point | 805 Atlantic St, Stamford | 203-327-5111 | 50 | |
| Norwalk Smiles At Nathaniel Ely Head Start - Sbhc | 11 Ingalls Ave, Norwalk | 203-299-0847 | www,chc1.com | 16 |
| Day Street Community Health Center | 49 Day St, Norwalk | 203-854-9292 | www.chc1.com | 42.5 |
| Franklin Street Community Health Center | 141 Franklin St, Stamford | 203-969-0802 | www.chc1.com | 46.5 |
| Trailblazers Academy/Domus Charter Schools Sbhc | 83 Lockwood Ave, Stamford | 203-324-4277 | www.chc1.com | 24 |
| Norwalk Smiles At Ben Franklin - Sbhc | 165 Flax Hill Rd, Norwalk | 203-299-0847 | www.chc1.com | 24 |
| Mobile Van #1 | 120 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk | 203-899-1770 | www.norwalkchc.org | 20 |
| Optimus Pacific House Shelter | 597 Pacific St, Stamford | 203-348-2792 | www.optimushealthcare.org | 9 |
| Optimus On The Boulevard | 1351 Washington Blvd, Stamford | 203-621-3700 | www.optimushealthcare.org | 37 |
According to the CDC, cholesterol testing should be done:
- Once between ages 9 and 11 (before puberty)
- Once between ages 17 and 21 (after puberty)
- Every 4 to 6 years in adulthood
The CDC invites you to join the DHDSP throughout February and beyond by starting important conversations about your heart health. “Talk with your loved ones and health care team about how you can prevent and manage high blood cholesterol,” they say.
Prior to getting your cholesterol screening, take note of these five questions you should ask your doctor about your cholesterol.