Vasamed partners with BBHOP for peripheral arterial disease research

Oct 23 2009

On Saturday, November 7, 2009 Vasamed Inc., provider of diagnostic technologies that detect peripheral arterial disease in patients with diabetes, will partner with the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program (BBHOP) in its mission to help African Americans identify the connection between peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetes, obesity and hypertension through early detection and referral to appropriate medical resources. Vasamed will supply the program with its SensiLase® System to conduct peripheral arterial tests for its upcoming one-day clinics that will offer free screening to African American men at black owned barbershops throughout the Los Angeles region. African American men are at a higher risk for peripheral arterial disease, diabetes and hypertension. Providing health screening at a point-of-gathering and friendship - the black barbershop - is the brain child of Dr. Bill Releford.

"It is estimated that one in three of the 20 million Americans with diabetes also have peripheral arterial disease. Half of the 8-12 million Americans have undiagnosed PAD with rates much higher within underserved populations throughout the US - especially African Americans," said Paulita LaPlante, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vasamed Inc. "We are very pleased to support Dr. Bill Releford and the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program to extend lower leg vascular assessments through these outreach initiatives. The SensiLase technology can detect diminished blood flow to the legs that is common in diabetics and that can often lead to ulcers and amputations. Early identification of PAD can significantly improve a patient's ability to understand their disease and take personal steps to increase exercise, alter diet and stop smoking in order to reduce the complications of this illness. Together with Dr. Releford, we can make a real difference in the lives of the men at high risk of PAD and diabetes via coordinated testing, simple exam and basic history taking."

SOURCE Vasamed, Inc.