Hundreds line up for County Health Fair

Hundreds of people lined up early this morning at the Health Fair, held at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Maggie Beck/Union Democrat, copyright 2009

The Health Fair features more than 100 booths offering brochures, exhibits, displays, literature and demonstrations, as well as free health screenings including glaucoma, hearing, chiropractic and bone density tests, county public health officials say.
   

The two-day event begins at 5 a.m. for blood screenings for working adults. The fair formally opened at 7 this morning and will run until 3 p.m. today and Wednesday.

The 5 a.m. blood draws are to accommodate people’s early work schedules.

There are numerous free screenings but the main draw, according to County Public Health Nurse Kathy Amos, is the blood chemistry panel, lipid (cholesterol) profile and thyroid test that costs $20.

At the 2008 Health Fair, there were 3,910 blood draw participants, Amos said.

Patients are requested to complete a 12-hour fast before the blood chemistry panel.

Men age 40 or older can get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for $10. However, officials recommend that they speak to their doctor beforehand to determine the need for the test.

Blood test results will be mailed to participants anywhere from two to three weeks following testing.

Sonora Regional Medical Center will have several booths with information including heart, vascular, respiratory, pulmonary, dietary, hospice, home care, cancer and wound care services.

Seasonal influenza vaccinations will be offered at the health fair while supplies last, and Medicare payment will be accepted. Donations are requested for those without Medicare.

No H1N1 or “swine flu” vaccine will be available.

Free food — including sandwiches, juice, cookies and apples — are being offered at no charge in the Sierra Building by Women of the Moose, which will accept donations.

Children under 18 can attend the health fair with their parents but are not allowed to participate because of liability issues, Amos said.

In 2008, 4,226 people attended the Health Fair and event organizers expect 4,500 to 5,000 participants today and Wednesday.

Hundreds were lined up early this morning to receive services.

“I think it is wonderful,” said Paula Crowe, of Tuolumne. “I come almost every year and you can’t beat the cost. I think it is neat that the whole community gets together.”