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September 21, 2009
Find the AAAnswers Campaign Kicks Off
September 22, 2009—Medtronic, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN) announced the kick-off of the Find the AAAnswers public education campaign to save lives from abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by increasing the number of at-risk patients who receive low-cost ultrasound screenings for this life-threatening condition. Legendary Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, who understands the risks associated with this disease because of his family history of AAAs, has joined the campaign.
"My father was lucky—he would not be here today if his aneurysm had not been detected through a routine exam, but most people with AAA won't be as fortunate," commented Theismann. "Through this program, I hope to inspire people to learn more about AAA and ask the right questions. Today, a quick and painless ultrasound can detect the condition and possibly save a life."
Medtronic noted that more than 1 million people are living with an undiagnosed AAA, and only 10% to 25% of those people will survive if their aneurysm ruptures. The company stated that it is supporting this initiative because research shows that there is a lack of awareness and understanding about AAAs that has resulted in more than 70% of men with risk factors having never heard of the condition, or that there is a simple screening test that could potentially save their lives. The goal of the campaign is to increase the number of at-risk people who are screened each year in an effort to reduce unnecessary deaths from AAAs.
The company further stated that the campaign is especially timely because the United States Congress is reviewing legislation that will broaden coverage for at-risk Medicare recipients. Currently, AAA screenings are offered as part of the "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam but are required within the first 12 months of enrolling, and only men who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes or men and women with a family history of the condition are eligible. More information about the campaign is available online at www.findtheaaanswers.org.
The program is sponsored by Medtronic and supported by the Find the AAAnswers Coalition, an alliance of concerned medical societies that have come together to provide accurate information about AAA and increase the number of at-risk individuals that get screened. The medical societies include the Society for Vascular Surgery, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
According to Medtronic, the Find the AAAnswers campaign activities include:
"My father was lucky—he would not be here today if his aneurysm had not been detected through a routine exam, but most people with AAA won't be as fortunate," commented Theismann. "Through this program, I hope to inspire people to learn more about AAA and ask the right questions. Today, a quick and painless ultrasound can detect the condition and possibly save a life."
Medtronic noted that more than 1 million people are living with an undiagnosed AAA, and only 10% to 25% of those people will survive if their aneurysm ruptures. The company stated that it is supporting this initiative because research shows that there is a lack of awareness and understanding about AAAs that has resulted in more than 70% of men with risk factors having never heard of the condition, or that there is a simple screening test that could potentially save their lives. The goal of the campaign is to increase the number of at-risk people who are screened each year in an effort to reduce unnecessary deaths from AAAs.
The company further stated that the campaign is especially timely because the United States Congress is reviewing legislation that will broaden coverage for at-risk Medicare recipients. Currently, AAA screenings are offered as part of the "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam but are required within the first 12 months of enrolling, and only men who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes or men and women with a family history of the condition are eligible. More information about the campaign is available online at www.findtheaaanswers.org.
The program is sponsored by Medtronic and supported by the Find the AAAnswers Coalition, an alliance of concerned medical societies that have come together to provide accurate information about AAA and increase the number of at-risk individuals that get screened. The medical societies include the Society for Vascular Surgery, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
According to Medtronic, the Find the AAAnswers campaign activities include:
- Education and screening events in local communities with a high prevalence of AAA;
- An interactive Web portal where individuals can learn more about AAA and make a personal pledge to get screened;
- Educational materials and resources on AAA screening for health care professionals, patients, and their loved ones;
- Public service announcements on the importance of AAA screenings;
- Events with health care advocates and policy influencers to identify current challenges in AAA care and advocate for meaningful change.
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