Grace Baptist Church in Austin will host a Life Line Screening event on Thursday to help people reduce their risk of having a stroke or bone fracture.

Screenings identify potential cardiovascular conditions such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women. Many sites offer finger-stick blood tests to check for cholesterol and glucose.

Screenings are important because strokes are the third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of permanent disabiliy. About 80 percent of stroke victims have no apparent warning signs prior to the stroke, and preventative ultrasound screenings can help people avoid one. Screenings are fast, noninvasive, painless, affordable and convenient.

Packages start at $159. All five screenings take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Life Line Screening was established in 1993, and has since become the nation’s leading provider of preventive screenings.

For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-697-9721 or visit our website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

The church is located at 100 Fourth Ave. SE in Austin.