By Michael V. Cusenza
Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-ozone Park) partnered with Heartscan Services Inc. on Monday to bring free thyroid cancer screening to the men and women of the NYPD’s 100th Precinct in Rockaway Beach. The screenings were funded directly through discretionary funding provided by the councilwoman’s office.
“New York’s Finest lead extremely busy lives, and often forego what should be regular medical screenings in order to continue serving the people of New York in the face of an ongoing manpower crisis,” Ariola said. “That’s why we brought these screenings directly to them. Just a few minutes of screening during their break times can help prevent the development of what might be a lethal illness in the future.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, thyroid cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
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The next Heartscan event will be at Ariola’s Ozone Park district office on May 7.
“Thyroid cancer is preventable if found early,” said Marilyn Martinucci, CEO and President of Heartscan Services Inc. “Council Member Ariola has been supporting this preventative cancer program and because of her many lives have been saved.”
More than two dozen officers received a screening during the March 18 event. Heartscan Services provides screening using non-invasive ultrasound at locations around the community, and will be hosting similar events throughout the year.
The next Heartscan event will be at Ariola’s Ozone Park district office (93-06 101st Ave.) on May 7, and will be in partnership with the City Fire Department’s Columbia Society.
- $300,000 for the Forest Hills American Legion Continental Post #1424 to make numerous building repairs that include fixing warped floors, exposed wiring, cracked walls and ceilings and improving access to its kitchen and bathroom for those with disabilities.
