| SMHC
to offer free pulmonary testing
In conjunction with National Respiratory Therapy Week, October 21-27th, St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics will be offering two free pulmonary screenings from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Faunda Butler, Respiratory Therapist, will provide a complimentary pulse oximetry test and a pulmonary function test. Results will be available immediately. No appointments are necessary. 
“Our lungs are one of the most important organs in the body. If they are not functioning optimally then we eventually see the effects in our ability to perform every day tasks,” said Butler. “Screenings can often identify problems, early on, and like many other screenings, the earlier a problem is identified the better.” The pulse oximetry test measures the amount of oxygen saturated in the blood as the hemoglobin carries the oxygen molecules. “The screening is quick and painless, but lets us know how well the blood is carrying the oxygen,” said Butler. The pulmonary function test involves taking readings when a person inhales deeply and then exhales strongly into a special mouth piece three separate times. The test measures a person’s lung capacity and lung function or ability to work. “This one can be challenging to a person with limited lung capacity. It provides two values that are good indicators for lung health of the person being tested,” said Butler. The screening takes about five to ten minutes. Free handouts will be available including informational materials on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, sleep apnea, asthma, smoking and the effects of second hand smoke. The screenings will be available Monday and Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23 in the SMH reception area and on Thursday, October 25 and Friday, October 26 in the Cottonwood Clinic Reception area. Butler will also be in the Kamiah Medical Clinic on Wednesday, October 24. All screenings will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. The screenings are offered as a public service by St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics. |
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