"7 Minutes Could Save Your Life"

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Jul 16, 2012, 03:36 ET

The Local Hospitals of BayCare Health System Launch New Online Disease Detection Program

CLEARWATER, Fla., July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The local hospitals of BayCare Health System recently announced the launch of a new Web site, YourHealthRisk.org, providing the community free, customized risk assessments for cancer, diabetes, stroke and 10 other serious health conditions.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120716/DC40953)

Each online assessment takes about seven minutes or less to complete, and includes factors such as overall health, family history and lifestyle choices. After submitting information, participants receive personalized, confidential reports that explain risks and provide recommendations for lifestyle changes, placing more focus on prevention, early detection and wellness.

Tampa Bay area resident, Joseph Guido, completed one of the assessments. "I went online to take the heart risk assessment because I previously suffered from two silent heart attacks and became interested in learning more about how to take care of my heart," said Guido.

"The assessment said that I was at-risk because of several lifestyle choices. I learned that I needed to make some changes in my diet, exercise more and reduce my stress level. The health risk assessment made me realize I needed to make changes in my life," he continued.

"Ultimately, we can reduce the effects of disease through early detection and prevention," said Dr. Bruce Flareau, president BayCare Physician Partners. "The assessment is a simple tool that evaluates a person's risk of developing a disease and more importantly how to reduce those risks."

"After answering some basic questions, the test will give you a results page providing health recommendations. For most people, the types of things that are suggested are simple lifestyle changes, adjustments in diet or developing a better exercise routine. If needed, you can be directed to a physician for further follow up," Flareau added.

Today, Guido has improved his health by applying the assessment recommendations to his daily routine. "I have lost weight, walk more and eat better. I have also tried to reduce the level of stress in my life. I would advise anyone else who has concerns about health issues to take any of the health risk assessments. I highly recommend it," Guido said.

BayCare Health System offers a total of 13 assessments including:

Cancer-Breast
Cancer-Colon
Cancer-Lung
Cancer-Prostate
Diabetes
Heart
Joint
Lung
Sleep
Stroke
Spine
Vascular
Weight

Individuals interested in managing their health risks can visit YourHealthRisk.org Participants can also opt in to receive free education materials via e-mail. For more information, or to learn more about BayCare Health System, call 727-253-4071.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare Health System is the leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area. Composed of a network of 10 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care, BayCare provides expert medical care throughout a patient's lifetime. With more than 200 access points conveniently located throughout Tampa Bay, BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need.

BayCare's family of hospitals are: Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Hospital-North, St. Joseph's Women's, and South Florida Baptist. For more information, visit BayCare at www.BayCare.org.

SOURCE BayCare Health System