By Caroline Brown
Special to The PREVIEW
We’ve set our clocks ahead and that means it’s almost time for the Pagosa Springs 9Health Fair on March 28.
The health fair will take place from 7 to 11 a.m. at Pagosa Springs High School. The fair will close one hour earlier than past years, so please plan accordingly.
Since fasting is optional, participants can enjoy a relaxed Saturday morning coffee and breakfast before attending the 9Health Fair. Regardless of whether or not you choose to fast, all participants should drink plenty of water prior to their blood draw.
The 9Health Fair promotes health awareness and encourages individuals to assume responsibility for their own health. Free screenings, including a breast exam, will be available, as well as an interactive education center that offers participants valuable preventative health information.
Low cost screenings are offered to anyone 18 years or older and no matter how many blood tests you choose, one small needle does it all. The blood screenings at the 2015 health fair include blood chemistry ($35), blood cell count ($20), vitamin D deficiency ($45), hemoglobin A1C ($30) and a PSA for men only ($30). A take home colon cancer screening kit is also available for $25.
Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a worldwide problem. The vitamin D 25-hydroxy screening ($45) is used to provide a baseline level of vitamin D. Your body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium and plays an important role in protecting your bone health. Studies suggest an association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of certain types of cancers, nerve disease, immune disease and heart disease. Participants should discuss with their health care providers if a vitamin D deficiency screening would be beneficial. Future articles in The Pagosa Springs SUN and PREVIEW will go into detail regarding what the other blood screenings encompass.
Online registration at www.9healthfair.org/findafair is a preregistration option. Online registration for the Pagosa Springs 9Health Fair must be completed by noon on March 27. Credit cards can only be used for online registration. Cash or checks are accepted on March 28 for day of fair registration.
Vouchers are available for the $35 blood chemistry screening. Call Caroline Brown at 731-4248 to see if you qualify for a voucher, if you are interested in volunteering for the Pagosa 9Health Fair or if you have any questions.
