Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje is challenging all residents in Washtenaw County to find out if they are at risk for cardiovascular disease during a four-day event in October.

As part of a community health awareness initiative, four mayors—Hieftje; Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick; Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Michael B. Coleman; and Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell—are teaming up for a friendly competition called “The Mayor’s Health Challenge.”

The leaders are asking residents to improve their cardiovascular health and take control of their health care. Each mayor’s goal is to screen 1,000 residents each day.

Hieftje, the U-M Health System (UMHS), Pfizer and television station WDIV, Ch. 4 are asking citizens ages 18 and older to learn more about their health by taking a free cardiovascular screening from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Oct. 1–4 at Briarwood Mall.
The free screening includes checks on cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and blood sugar levels. Participants also may take advantage of additional screenings for arthritis, depression and men’s health. Screening results take 20 minutes, and on-site health counselors will be available to answer questions.
Trained UMHS health care clinicians will conduct the screenings. Participants do not need to bring identification or health insurance cards.

The number of residents screened during the event will determine the winning city. In 2001, Columbus won the challenge against Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.