VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The following is a news release from the City County Health District (CCHD) office in Valley City.

“Having high blood cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms, which is why getting your cholesterol levels checked is so important,” states Kerry Due, City-County Health District Director of Nursing.

A cholesterol test is a simple blood test. You will need to prepare for this test so that your results are accurate.

To prepare: Ideally you should fast for the cholesterol test – meaning no food or drink 8 to 12 hours prior to the screening.

Generally, you can take your scheduled medications prior to the cholesterol screen with a small sip of water.

Consider consulting your doctor for specific instructions as they may instruct of certain beverages and medications to avoid prior to the cholesterol screening.

“One in 3 adults have pre-diabetes. The majority with pre-diabetes don’t realize they have it because they feel fine. A fasting blood glucose test can show if your levels are higher than normal. By knowing what your blood glucose results are, you can take action to reduce your risk or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes,” states Kerry Due, Director of Nursing. You can find out what your fasting glucose level at the same time as your cholesterol test.

City-County Health District and CHI Mercy Health will hold a fasting community cholesterol screening Thursday, July 27, from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. It will be held at the CCHD facility located at 415 2nd Ave. NE, Ste. 101.

This test will include your total cholesterol, HDL/LDL cholesterol, plus your blood glucose and triglycerides. The cost for the cholesterol (total lipid profile) screening is $35.

If you are interested in participating in this screening, you must pre-register by calling City-County Health District at (701) 845-8518. The number of participants is limited, and names will be taken on a first-call basis.