The Lawrence Memorial Hospital annual health fair, a community tradition that attracts more than 1,000 people, is set for Saturday, Sept. 26.
What is a health fair all about you may ask? According to the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov), a health fair is an event where organizations have an opportunity to share health information with the public and to provide health screenings. For more than 30 years, LMH has been offering a health fair to the community.
With the nation’s overweight and obesity rate hovering at over 65 percent, coupled with an increase in the occurrence of many chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and several cancers, health and wellness fairs are a great way for community members to learn more about taking care of their health.
LMH’s health fair will include several health screenings; exhibits and information about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health issues, as well as information about staying well; and an opportunity to visit with LMH associates, some of our LMH Medical and Allied Health staff members, other area health care providers and representatives from community partner nonprofit health and wellness agencies.
Low-cost blood work for adults is available through the LMH Laboratory and includes a complete lipid profile with additional select blood chemistry components. This is available for $30, if participants enroll by the advance registration deadline of Sept. 18. For males who wish to include the prostate screening antigen blood test (PSA), the discount registration fee is $40.
To register in advance for the blood work, watch for registration forms in area newspapers or call the LMH Lab at 505-2653 and ask for a health fair specialist.
Please note that no advance registrations will be processed after Sept. 18, but participants can come on the day of the fair and still register at the door for blood work. The blood work fee on fair day will be $40 (or $50 with the PSA).
Participants are asked to fast for 10-12 hours in advance of having their blood drawn. Water and necessary medications are permissible. There will be free light refreshments available for health fair attendees after their blood has been drawn. Blood work is drawn on the day of the fair from 7 to 10 a.m. only.
Free health screenings at the health fair may include hearing, skin cancer, vision, fingerstick blood glucose (fasting is required), lung function, heel bone density, blood pressure, height and weight, body mass index, stroke risk assessment, and vein screening.
Health screenings are provided by LMH staff and community partner health care providers, many of whom are volunteering their time. Therefore, screening availability on the day of the event may be subject to change from that noted here. Health screenings will be open from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Lines can be lengthy and screenings will close on time, so plan to come early. Entry is through the hospital’s Arkansas Street entrance.
Other events at the LMH health fair this year include flu shots for those age 18 and older, provided by the Visiting Nurses. Cost is $30 (cash or check), or bring your Medicare card. No other insurance plans can be billed.
New this year, is the Car Fit screening event for senior adults. Car Fit is a free program that assesses and then instructs older adults how to make any adjustments in their vehicles to enhance safety while driving and so their vehicles are the best “fit” for them. Appointments are required for this screening and are limited. Please go online to lmh.org/car-fit to make your appointment or call LMH Connect Care at 505-5800. Car Fit screenings are available from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Just Food will be hosting a food drive at the LMH Health Fair. Plan to bring nonperishable food items to share with those less fortunate.
For more information about the LMH annual Health fair, go to lmh.org.
— Aynsley Anderson, MA, RN, is Community Education Coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, which is a major sponsor of WellCommons. She can be reached at aynsley.anderson@lmh.org.
