Lawrenceburg, In. — Highpoint Health (formerly Dearborn County Hospital) will host the facility’s 37th annual Health-A-Fair on Saturday, March 3, from 7:00 a.m. to noon at the hospital in Lawrenceburg.
On Saturday, April 14, from 8:00 until 11:00 a.m., Highpoint Health will offer a second wellness event, Health-A-Fair at the Miami Center, in Cleves, Ohio. This health fair will take place at the Miami Center, 8 North Miami Avenue, on the west side of the building which houses the public library.
An important additional screening, the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been added for this year’s health fairs. Hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c is used to measure the average level of glucose in the blood over an 8-12 week period. It is commonly used to aid in the management of known diabetic patients. Recently it has become useful as a tool to help diagnose prediabetes, a risk factor for diabetes. Diagnosis of prediabetes with appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes may reduce the likelihood of full-blown diabetes developing. The fee for this screening is $30.
Those wishing to have blood drawn for the HbA1c must provide the name and address of their personal physician/nurse practitioner. This information must be provided at the time of registration, whether it is at a pre-registration site or at the hospital or Miami Center on the day of the fair. Results of the analysis will be mailed to both the participant and their physician/nurse practitioner for follow-up.
Both Health-A-Fairs offer a wide range of health screenings and exhibits for individuals 18 years of age and older. Some of the free health screenings offered at this year’s Health-A-Fair in Lawrenceburg include pulmonary function, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and height/weight. Free colorectal cancer screening kits will also be available for home use.
An optional blood chemistry analysis, including an HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio, will be offered. The fee for this screening is $30.
For the most accurate results, a 12 hour fast immediately before the blood chemistry analysis is recommended. Fasting for Health-A-Fair purposes is usually described as nothing to eat or drink except black coffee, plain tea, water and necessary medications. People with diabetes or those who are under a health professional’s care should consult their physician/nurse practitioner before fasting. Individuals who require food or beverages other than water to be taken with their medications during the fasting period also may wish to consult their personal physician/nurse practitioner.
Health-A-Fair participants may also take part in a screening for prostate cancer. Interested men may elect to have blood drawn for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening at the same time blood is being obtained for the HbA1c or chemistry analysis. The fee for the PSA is $10 per person.
As with the HbA1c, those wishing to have blood drawn for the chemistry analysis and/or the PSA must provide the name and address of their personal physician/nurse practitioner. This information must be provided at the time of registration. Results of these screenings will also be mailed to both the participant and their physician/nurse practitioner for follow-up.
Participants are strongly encouraged to contact their personal physician/nurse practitioner regarding all of their screening results.
A variety of Highpoint Health departments and services are scheduled to participate in the March 3 Health-A-Fair including the Auxiliary, Breast Care Center, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Imaging/Radiology, Medical Stabilization, Occupational Health and Respiratory Therapy.
Additional exhibitors include the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life, the Breast Cancer Support Group, Community Mental Health Center, Dearborn County Health Department, Lawrenceburg Public Library District, LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, LifeTime Resources, National Kidney Foundation, Purdue Extension Service, Ripley Crossing, Southeastern Indiana Alzheimer’s Support Group, the Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation and The Waters of Dillsboro/Ross Manor and Rising Sun.
Sponsored by Highpoint Health and the Miami Center, Health-A-Fair at the Miami Center will feature many of the same screenings and exhibits found at the hospital Health-A-Fair including the blood chemistry analysis, HbA1c and the prostate-specific antigen screening.
All screening results obtained at either Health-A-Fair should be used as supplemental information by the participant. They do not replace and should not be considered a substitute for an examination by a physician/nurse practitioner. Health-A-Fair participants are encouraged to share all screening results with their personal physician/nurse practitioner.
Registration is available at the door at both locations, however, pre-registration is recommended. The following sites listed are for pre-registration for the Health-A-Fair at Highpoint Health on March 3. Pre-registration for the Cleves event will be held at the Miami Center in April. Click here for more information.
