Area health fair April 19

More than 650 people are expected to take advantage of the free health services offered at the McDuffie County Health Fair Saturday, April 19th, at Thomson High School, Thomson Georgia, from 8 until 12:00 noon.

This is the 31st 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.

This year we will have some 17 tests and screenings, and over 30 educational exhibits," stated Mrs. Dot Cofer, organizer of the fair.

Tests offered at no charge include, blood pressure, height, weight, lung function, bone density, oral checks, hearing, vision, glaucoma, diabetic screening, depression screening, and other specialized tests. "Those wishing the bone density test should wear removable socks or knee hosiery, no pantyhose", stated Cofer. "Most people assume it is just the woman who is at risk of loosing calcium as they age, but this is not true. Men should also have this test, for they also loose calcium and have weaker bones with age."

We are excited about the special feature of the health fair. We will have the ever-popular Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) blood chemistry that we have combined with 6 heart calculations(lipid panel) including HDL/LDL (good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides) for an amazingly low price, thanks to many community 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 at their office 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 a 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, kidney damage, eye damage, and neuropathy. 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, the other values are not affected by food", said Cofer. The CMP can still detect problems concerning the heart, liver, kidneys, chemical balance, gastrointestional 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 ", stated Cofer.

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 various health related topics.

"Of main interest will be the National Asthma Clinic's testing for asthma. Seven Medical College of Georgia Doctors will be testing along with presenting a lecture beginning at 10:30 titled "Asthma 101". This video will help caregivers in caring for the asthmatic person or give new developments in self-medication and care. Figures show that in the past 18 months there have been 13 children to die of asthma related problems in the McDuffie County area. This is alarming. I urge those parents of asthmatic children to please take this opportunity for education," stressed Mrs. Cofer.

"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 "Safe 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.

Thomson High School is located in Thomson 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.