Health Fest Lincoln to be held at recreation complex

The Lincoln County Health Department and Dr. Michelle MasonWoodard will join health care professionals around the state in observing April as "Minority Health Month" in Georgia.

In conjunction with the observance, the health department and Dr. MasonWoodard will sponsor "Health Fest Lincoln" on Saturday, April 22, at the Curry Colvin Recreation Complex. The event will feature a 5K run through Lincolnton; registration is set

begin at 7:30 a.m.

Also, the health department will be staffing table-top booths that will serve to raise awareness about prevention and disease management and

promote lifestyle and behavioral changes to improve health outcomes. Health professionals will be manning the booths from 9 a.m. until 12 noon

provide information, pamphlets, and answer questions concerning colo-rectal disease, prostate cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell disease.

In addition, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Atlanta will have its van on the premises for those interested in being screened for the sickle cell trait. This usually involves a simple finger stick.

Likewise, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other snacks will be available at

concession stand run by members of the Mulberry C.M.E. Church. The proceeds will benefit Lincoln County's American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life set for Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, at Buddy Bufford Field.

All members of the community are encouraged to participate in Health Fest Lincoln.

As part of Minority Health Month, the health department is also launching a campaign to inform the public about the dangers of various diseases that seem to target minorities. The first on the list is sickle cell disease.

According to Cynthia Fox RN, local health department facility administrator, "Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Although more members of minority groups actually suffer from the disease, it does not discriminate between races or ethnic groups.

"People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that contain mostly hemoglobin S, an abnormal type of hemoglobin," she continued. "Sometimes, these red blood cells become sickle or crescent shaped and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels.

"When sickle-shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can reach that part of the body. Tissue that does not receive a normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged which is what causes the complications associated with sickle cell disease. These complications include anemia, jaundice, strokes, and the formation of gallstones."

There is currently no universal cure for the disease; however, various approaches are being sought for preventing sickling episodes as well as the complications of sickle cell disease.

Concerning the screening for the sickle cell trait at Health Fest Lincoln, people need to be aware that having the sickle cell trait is not a type of sickle cell disease. Those with this trait are generally healthy.

"People who are known carriers of the disease often undergo genetic counseling before they have a child," said Fox. "A test to see if an unborn child has the disease takes either a blood sample from the unborn or a sample of amniotic fluid. Since taking a blood sample from a fetus has risks, the latter test is usually used."

Sickle cell anemia is the most common genetic disorder among African Americans; about one in every 12 is a carrier.

For more information about sickle cell disease or the Lincoln Health Fest, contact Dr. Mason-Woodard at 706-359-2419, the health department at 706-359-3154, or Emma Smith at 706-359-7345.