Scripps Helps Fans Track Health Scores to Gain Competitive Edge

Big Leaguers are always looking for ways to gain an edge on the competition. As hitters, they analyze opposing pitchers for tendencies they can exploit. On defense, they study where batters most often hit the ball and position themselves in the field accordingly.

A keen eye for detail can also pay off when it comes to staying healthy. During the 2012 season, Scripps will bring its Mobile Medical Unit to select home games to offer fans free health screenings, including exams for blood pressure and body mass index.

“Knowing how your numbers compare with healthy ranges, and taking appropriate action, can help cut the risk of developing health problems down the road,” says Dr. Heinz Hoenecke from Scripps Clinic. “These screenings are painless and only take a few minutes.”

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects one in three adults in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other serious conditions. For healthy adults, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80; a reading above 140/90 is considered hypertension.

The CDC reports that more than two out of three adults in the United States are either overweight or obese. Excess body weight is linked to heightened risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver failure, sleep apnea and some forms of cancer.

Body mass index (BMI) can help determine if a person’s weight is healthy, relative to height. BMI is calculated as a person’s weight in kilograms, divided by height in meters squared. A BMI between 18 and 24 is considered healthy; above 25 is overweight and above 30 is obese.

Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin says the Scripps health screening program is a smart idea. “Staying on top of your health scores is huge,” said the team’s 2011 MVP. “It’s important to know when issues first arise, so you can take care of things early.”

Padres fans will find important health resources at the Scripps Mobile Medical Unit. The vehicle also appears at community events around the county, including several in partnership with the Padres organization, which is a sponsor.