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 their spouse/significant other. The screening includes a series of private and confidential cardiovascular screenings, mental health resources and education, sleep apnea education and an at-home sleep study, as well as comprehensive bloodwork. This bloodwork includes a metabolic panel, lipid panel, and various other biomarkers of thyroid function and overall cardiovascular health. 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.
*The former NFL player must be registered and attend the screening in order for the spouse/significant other to be eligible.
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, testosterone, vitamin D, and a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening to assess risk factors for prostate cancer.
Coronary Artery Calcium CT Scan
Players 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.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Screening
Players will receive education on OSA and have the opportunity to participate in an at-home assessment that measures breathing during sleep.
Mental Health
Players can participate in a mental health screening and review their results with an on-site clinician. Players may also receive information on mental health benefits, services, and resources available to them and their family.
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.
