DALLAS – In recognition of American Heart Month, Planned Parenthood of North Texas (PPNT) is offering free blood pressure checks and $10 off a cholesterol screening at all 28 PPNT clinics throughout the month of February to help women identify risk factors of heart disease – the number one killer of women. 

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than half a million women every year — about a death a minute.  The mortality rate in women is increasing while in men it is decreasing.

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation.  With women being the largest portion of the uninsured, they are limited in their health care resources.  PPNT has always provided blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screening as well as physician referrals for its more than 90,000 patients annually.  

Patients may call 1-800-230-PLAN or click on clinic locations for clinics and hours of operation.  Blood pressure checks are available without an appointment.  Cholesterol screenings are discounted for those receiving an initial exam.

For more than 70 years, PPNT has provided compassionate medical care in North Texas.  In 2006, PPNT clinics served more than 90,000 patients in its 28 clinics.  PPNT also provides health education outreach to 12,000 individuals a year.

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