Mercy Hospital conducts scores of programs to prevent illness and improve the health and well-being for patients, families and community members. Programs reach a variety of age groups and touch on virtually every health topic.

Based on data collected since 1995 by Mercy and Unity's hospitals Wellness Program, 30 percent of students in Anoka and Coon Rapids are at a higher risk of developing heart disease because of their blood pressure or total cholesterol readings.

For more information about ongoing health screenings and presentations, call Allina Class Registration at 1-866-904-9962 or select classes to view available options. Services are offered at Mercy Hospital and throughout the communities we serve.

We welcome questions about our programs and services, but we cannot answer questions about individual medical concerns, provide second opinions or make specific recommendations about therapy. We encourage you to discuss those issues with your health care provider.

To schedule screenings or presentations at your site, please contact:

Brenda Link
Wellness Program manager
763-236-8041 or
Dawn Prince
Wellness Program coordinator
763-236-8049.

On-site health screening and education

The Wellness Program of Mercy & Unity Hospitals partners with organizations to conduct health fairs, educational presentations and health screenings in schools, businesses, clinics, churches, civic groups and Lion and Lioness events.

To schedule screenings or presentations at your site, please contact:

Brenda Link
Wellness Program manager
763-236-8041 or
Dawn Prince
Wellness Program coordinator
763-236-8049.

Screening services

Our screening programs identify people who are at risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Within a few weeks after the screening, a personalized risk analysis is sent to your home along with a letter of recommendation for further follow-up care.

Health questionnaires

Heart health, women's heart, stroke, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and comprehensive personal profile.

Blood pressure measurements

Blood pressure measurement is recommended for individuals at risk for high blood pressure, using an automatic blood pressure monitor.

Clinical blood tests

Certified staff from the Wellness Program use fingerstick or venipuncture to draw blood. The blood tests, which are recommended for individuals with risk for heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. Testing includes:

• Non fasting total cholesterol and sugar (fingerstick)
• Non fasting total cholesterol, HDL and sugar (fingerstick)
• Fasting total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and sugar (fingerstick or venipuncture)
• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
• HgA1C
• C-reactive protein
• Homocysteine
• Vitamin D

Fitness testing

Recommended for individuals who have noted changes in strength, flexibility or endurance. Fitness specialists are available to test:

• Muscle strength
• Muscle endurance
• Body composition
• Cardio-respiratory fitness
• Flexibility

Respiratory/pulmonary testing

Usually performed on individuals who are long-term smokers or who have had frequent respiratory illnesses.

• Oximetry uses a noninvasive finger monitor.
• Lung volumes determine vital capacity, peak flow and FEI (expiratory amount of air).
• Cotinine testing (cheek swab to test for tobacco use).

Watch for the Mobile Wellness Center

The Wellness Program offers free health screenings in Minnesota communities. Screenings are sponsored by District 5 and 7 Lions/Lioness Clubs and Mercy and Unity hospitals.

2012 Mobile Wellness Center Schedule

• June 21, 6:30-8, Fridley Parade, Fridley Middle School
• June 23, 1-4, Fridley 49er Days, Fridley Commons Park
• July 2, 6-8, Coon Rapids Parade, Sand Creek Park
• July 7, 11-2, Isanti Rodeo Days, Isanti Community Center
• July 12, 6-8, Maple Grove Parade, 89th Ave, Maple Grove
• July 14, 4-7, Andover Family Funfest, Andover City Hall
• July 15, 2-5, Monticello Riverfest, Ellison Park
• July 21, 1-4, Cedar East Bethel Booster Day, East Bethel Community Center
• Aug. 3 - 5, 3M Golf Tournament, TPC Golf Course, Blaine
• Aug.7, 5:30-7:30, City of Hilltop Picnic, City Maintenance Building
• Aug. 10, 5-8 , Clearwater Lions, Clearwater Shopping Center
• Aug. 11, 10-1, Almelund Threshing Party, Almelund
• Aug. 12, 1-4, Rockford River Days, Rockford Riverside Park
• Aug. 18, 11-2, Santiago Lions, Santiago Park
• Sept. 10, 12-2, Par & Pamper Golf Tournament, Majestic Oaks Golf Course
• Sept. 15, 11-2, Columbus Lions, Columbus City Hall
• Sept. 29, 11, North Branch Car Show, North Branch Ford Dealer
• Sept. 30, 8-11, Chisago Lakes Lions Pancake Breakfast, Chisago Lakes High School
• Oct. 6, Cambridge Medical Center Health Fair
• Oct. 7, 11-2, Ham Lake Lions, Ham Lake Fire Station
• Oct. 13, 10:30-1:30, Buffalo Lions, Buffalo Fire Station
• Oct. 28, 8-11, Spring Lake Park Lions, Spring Lake Park High School
• Dec. 9, 9-12, Monticello Lions Pancake Breakfast, Monticello American Legion

Health education presentations

Experienced health professionals (physician, registered nurse, fitness specialist or nutritionist) deliver one-hour, customized presentations on many health topics:

Cardiovascular health

• Heart Health - a general overview of the heart, how it works and what risk factors within and out of our control affect its health
• High Cholesterol Awareness - an overview including its role in the body and how to control it
• Heart Attack and Stroke - general introductory talk on heart and circulatory anatomy
• Risk Factors and Treatment of Hypertension - basic information on blood pressure and what causes, exacerbates and treats hypertension
• Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women - overview of heart disease, prevalence, prevention and risk factor management
• Vascular - overview of vascular disease
• Diabetes - an overview of the disease, prevention and treatment

Exercise/fitness

• Benefits of Exercise - the why and how of exercise including considerations unique to seniors and a demo of strength training exercises
• Stress - insight into the role of stress in our lives, how it impacts each of us differently and why we need to get it under control.

Nutrition & weight management

• Healthy Heart Nutrition - the basics of low fat, low cholesterol and no-added-salt diets
• Diet for Weight Loss - An assessment of your daily caloric need and methods to help reduce your calorie intake.
• Dash diet class
• Weigh to get started
• Virtual supermarket tour-healthy shopping made easier

Heart/lung education and support

Cardiac education and support

Mercy's Health Improvement Center offers classes and support groups for people living with or wanting to prevent heart disease. For more information, call the Health Improvement Center at 763-236-8024 and visit the Heart & Vascular Center.

Respiratory education and support

Education, exercise and support groups help improve the lives of people living with lung disease. Ask your doctor to refer you to Mercy’s asthma or Lung Power programs or call 763-236-6867 and visit respiratory program services.

Quitting tobacco

The tobacco intervention program serves patients at Mercy and Unity Hospitals and provides outpatient programs.

• If you are at Mercy or Unity Hospital for medical reasons and are a smoker, you are given the opportunity to speak with a tobacco cessation counselor. The counselor will assist you in developing a plan to quit using tobacco products and follow up with you after discharge.
• The outpatient program Freedom from Smoking offers education and group support during eight sessions. If you are interested in an outpatient program, call Allina Class Registration at 1-866-904-9962.

Tobacco-free support from Allina Hospitals and Clinics

Gain support from others in their journey to quit smoking.

If you are interested in the outpatient program, call Allina Class Registration at 1-866-904-9962.