Get a Healthy Start in 2020 by Attending a Free Community Health Fair

With the start of a new year, many individuals have made resolutions to live a healthier life, yet many avoid or delay needed care. South Central Regional Medical Center invites those ages 18 years of age and up to attend a comprehensive, free Community Health Fair Friday, February 7th. The health fair will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at South Central Place in Laurel. Free health screenings, interactive health education booths, healthy snacks and much more will be provided to all who attend.

“We have health education, health information and numerous screenings available at no charge to the community,” says Karen Vanderslice, BSN, RN, Community Education Coordinator at South Central Regional Medical Center. “The health fair is completely free because the cost of the event is covered by the South Central Health Care Foundation with funds raised at the Art of Healing and from other fundraisers held throughout the year.”

The screenings for individuals ages 18 and up will include:

• Anxiety & Depression Screening
• Blood Pressure Screening
• Body Mass Index Screening
• Bone Mineral Density Screening
• Carbon Monoxide Screening
• Cataract Screening
• Facial Sun Damage Screening
• Non-fasting finger-stick cholesterol screening
• Non-fasting finger-stick glucose screening
• Pharmacy Medication Review
• Prostate Cancer Screening

“Representatives from South Central’s Pharmacy will also be on hand to conduct a “Brown Bag Review”. If you bring your current medications with you to the health fair, a South Central Pharmacist will be glad to look at them to determine if they have any concerns,” Vanderslice said. “We offer this service because some patients see several healthcare providers and many times forget to tell their primary care physician all of the medications they are currently taking.”

“If you take advantage of all the free screenings provided, the value is approximately $500 per participant. The best part about the health fair is that it is absolutely free of charge,” Vanderslice said. “It is nice to know that when area artists donate their pieces to the Art of Healing, they are helping save lives. Free health screenings like the ones offered on February 7th would not be possible without the sponsors of the Art of Healing, those who donate pieces to the event, and those who bid on items at the fundraiser each year.”

Healthy refreshments will be provided during the health fair. Vanderslice concluded by saying, “This is a tremendous opportunity for area residents to learn more about their health.”

Prevention and early detection starts by attending this event. The community health fair is being conducted as part of South Central’s Community Health program. For more information about the community health fair on February 7th at South Central Place in Laurel, please call 601.399.0506.