More than 650 people are expected to take advantage of the free health services offered at the McDuffie County Health Fair Saturday, April 14th, at Thomson High School, Thomson Georgia, from 8 until 12:00 noon.

This is the 30th year of the event that draws large numbers to Thomson for free health screenings. Last year, visitors came from as far away as Sparta, Louisville, Washington, Lincolnton, Loganville, Sandersville, Greensboro, Athens, McCormick and Aiken, S.C.

"When we first started the fair, we had only a blood pressure check and heart analysis," said organizer Mrs. Dot Cofer of Thomson. "It was held at our drive-in bank and I invited the Thomson High Band to perform just so we would have someone there. I believe our attendance was around 78 people."

"We have certainly grown. This year we will have some 17 tests and screenings, and 30 educational exhibits," stated Cofer.

Tests offered at no charge include, blood pressure, height, weight, lung function, bone density, hearing, vision, glaucoma, depression screening, and other specialized tests. "Those wishing the bone density test should wear removable socks or knee hosiery, no pantyhose," stated Cofer.

We are excited about the special feature of the health fair. We will have the ever-popular Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) blood chemistry combined with 6 heart calculations(lipid panel) including HDL/LDL (good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides) for an amazingly low price, thanks to many contributors.

"Doctors tend to recommend the CMP to their patients because it is the most comprehensive of the blood tests. For them to order a CMP and have insurance pay for it, they have to have a 'probable cause' for ordering it. Otherwise, insurance will not pay for it." In addition to the regular glucose, etc., the CMP picks up problems with liver and kidney function and electrolytes for heart function in addition to other factors. This test has a charge of $20.

For an additional charge of $6, one can receive a thyroid test. A Prostate Cancer Test (PSA) is offered to men over 45. The cost for this is $14. (The PSA is part of the blood chemistry rather than a physical exam stated the organizer.)

Mrs. Cofer pointed out that diabetics will receive their blood glucose reading in the CMP blood test, mentioned above, but they may wish to go a step further with the Hemoglobin A1C test ($14) that gives an average blood glucose reading for the past 3 months. This test fine-tunes the amount of control a person has been able to achieve.

"Doctors of diabetic patients really need to know the amount of glucose sticking to the red blood cells," added Cofer. An overabundance of glucose leads to serious vessel problems.

A blood drawing fee of $3.00 will cover costs as sending the results to both you and your doctor.

"Those interested in the blood test should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Food will affect the cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose readings. But, should your schedule not allow fasting, other values are unaffected by food," said Cofer. The CMP can still detect problems concerning the heart, liver, kidneys, chemical balance, gastrointestinal problems, electrolyte balance etc.

Mrs. Cofer offered this tip to make the day run more smoothly.

"Even though the fair runs from 8 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., the busiest time for the blood chemistry is usually from 8 to 9 a.m. If desiring the blood chemistry test, one may wish to get in that line after the rush. Just be sure you have your blood pressure taken before the blood work! That is a requirement."

Thanks to local restaurants and grocery stores, a light snack will be provided for all having the blood chemistry test.

A wide variety of educational exhibits will be offered. Local health care agencies will be showing their services. Several professors from The Medical College of Georgia and physicians in private practice will be presenting such subjects as osteoporosis, teen and children's developmental problems, various heart procedures, menopause, and Sickle Cell updates.

"This health fair is a little different from most fairs. First of all, I wanted to make it more educational. I feel that with education about a particular problem, one will not fear the problem and will seek medical attention earlier. A second factor built into this fair is personal safety. We will be presenting information on such things as personal safety while traveling, fire prevention and recognizing con artists. The AARP "55 Alive Driving Program" will be explained and if there is interest, a class will be formed."

"As you can see, even though you may not be interested in being tested, you will enjoy the educational exhibits," stated Mrs. Cofer. "And, someone will win $100 in a drawing by having visited the educational booths".

Thomson High School is located on White Oak Road, Highway 223, just east of the Thomson by-pass. Visitors should park in the student parking lot on the Augusta side of the school.

This event is without admission charge and is open for anyone interested. Testing stations are prepared to accommodate the needs of children, seniors and all adults. For more information, one may call the Health Fair hotline 706-595-2501.