FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hoffman Estates, IL. (February 12, 2008) – Since February was declared National Heart Health Awareness Month, advocacy groups across the country have been educating people on the importance of managing their health and monitoring their heart.  Home Access Health Corporation (Home Access) has joined the cause as the developer of a new FDA-cleared, at-home health test, the CheckUp America Cholesterol Panel.

“Over 65 million adult Americans have high cholesterol levels, one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular (heart) disease, still the leading cause of death in America.  More alarming, however, is that another 50 million don’t even know their numbers.  We’ve introduced the CheckUp America Cholesterol Panel to make it easy for anyone to know their cardiovascular risk, and perhaps, save a life,” said Tracey Powell, Chief Executive Officer, Home Access.

The accuracy of the CheckUp America Cholesterol Panel is driven by the proprietary serum-based testing combined with a fasted fingerstick blood sample, and eliminates the need for a physician office visit.  The CheckUp America Cholesterol Panel includes everything necessary to successfully collect, package and mail a small fingerstick blood sample to the Home Access laboratory.  There, technicians conduct a complete analysis of total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides and calculated LDL in the laboratory that is both CLIA-regulated and certified by CAP (College of American Pathologists).  Results are generally available within 3 business days of receipt of the sample.

“Barriers such as a lack of insurance and the inconvenience of office visits prevent millions of people from cholesterol screenings.  However breakthroughs in technology like this test, provides the perfect solution for those who prefer to take an active role in managing their health," says Michael H. Davidson, M.D., FACC, FACP Clinical Professor Director of Preventive Cardiology at The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and Executive Medical Director, Radiant Research Chicago, IL "This new product opens the door to widespread coronary risk screening that will most certainly lead to the improved ability to monitor bad cholesterol and patient outcomes."

“Research shows the importance of healthy cholesterol levels in people with diabetes,” commented Richard Kahn, PhD, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, American Diabetes Association.  “We joined with Home Access to provide the CheckUp America Cholesterol Panel so people can monitor their cholesterol levels and work closely with their physician to ensure proper care and treatment.”  CheckUp America is the consumer component of a new public service campaign, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, entitled “Now or Later,” which emphasizes the urgent need for people to have regular check-ups and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  This campaign is designed to increase public awareness, both with the general public and physicians, of cardiometabolic risk.