San Gabriel Valley : Nationwide Health Survey

Federal officials began knocking on the doors of selected San Gabriel Valley residents last week, asking them to participate in a $60-million survey on national health.

About 40,000 people nationwide will be asked to participate in surveys and physical examinations for a study on the health and nutritional status of Americans by the U.S. Public Health Service. Data from the six-year study will be used to calculate height and weight charts and gather information on the dietary habits and nutritional status of Americans, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

In Los Angeles County, 390 randomly selected residents will be asked to participate. From now through May 23, health officials will invite participants in following communities: Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas, Covina, Azusa, La Puente, El Monte, South El Monte, Rosemead, Alhambra, Montebello, East Los Angeles, Glendale and La Canada Flintridge.

Participants will be asked to take an extensive physical examination at a mobile health trailer in The Citadel shopping mall in City of Commerce. The test takes about four hours for adults and 90 minutes for children. Transportation is provided and participants are paid $30 (per child) and $50 (per adult). Participants also receive a complete copy of their examination results. Information: (800) 347-0275.