WHAT IS THE NFL PCF HEALTHY BODY &
MIND SCREENING PROGRAM?
The NFL Player Care Foundation (PCF) has partnered with Tulane University School of Medicine to conduct its Healthy Body and Mind Screening program. This FREE national screening program is open to all former NFL players and includes a series of private and confidential cardiovascular and prostate screenings and mental health resources and education. Comprehensive blood testing will be offered to the wives and significant others who accompany former player screening participants and are being provided by the NFL Alumni Association free of charge. NFL Player Care Foundation screenings are offered as part of PCF’s research programs, which help to advance public awareness and scientific understanding of health issues that affect former NFL players.
Important:
Please fast for eight hours prior to testing to ensure the most accurate results. If you are scheduled in the afternoon, you may eat a light breakfast.
The screening takes approximately
2-3 HOURS and includes:
Blood Test
The blood tests evaluate cholesterol, liver and kidney function (diabetes detection testing), thyroid gland function. Men over age 50 also receive a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening to assess risk factors for prostate cancer.
Coronary Artery Calcium CT Scan
Players over age 40 will receive an evaluation for the presence of early atherosclerosis, or plaque, in the arteries of the heart.
Carotid Artery Plaque Assessment
This evaluation looks for the presence of atherosclerosis, or plaque, in the large arteries of the neck
Echocardiography (Echo) Screening
This ultrasound of the heart assesses heart size, function, valves, muscle and anatomy.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) Screening
This screening measures the heart’s electrical activity.
Blood Pressure
We take three measurements at five-minute intervals to measure blood pressure.
Body Measurements
We evaluate waist-to-hip ratio, neck circumference, height, weight, and body mass index to assess your cardiovascular risk.
Medical & Sleep History
This medical assessment includes cardiovascular, sleep apnea risk, prostate and sexual health history.
Mental Health
Players can learn about the resources available (to players and their families) for dealing with day-to-day stress.
Final Results Summary
Players will be mailed a complete summary of the health screening results with basic explanations and recommendations to help players and their medical team consider appropriate follow-up actions.
