DEARBORN COUNTY HOSPITAL WELCOMES PUBLIC TO ANNUAL “HEALTH-A-FAIRS”

2010 PRE-REGISTRATION SITES

Dearborn County Hospital will host its 29th annual “Health-A-Fair” on Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 7:00 a.m. to noon, at the hospital in Lawrenceburg.  The event offers a wide range of health screenings, exhibits and learning centers for those 18 years of age and older.

For the seventh year, DCH will also offer “Health-A-Fair at the Miami Center” in Cleves, Ohio, on Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 8:00 until 11:00 a.m.  This additional “Health-A-Fair” will be located at the Miami Center, 8 North Miami Avenue, in the west side of the building which houses the public library.

Sponsored by Dearborn County Hospital and the Miami Center, “Health-A-Fair at the Miami Center” will feature many of the same screenings and exhibits found at the original “Health-A-Fair” including the blood chemistry analysis and the prostate specific antigen screening.

Some of the free health screenings offered at this year’s “DCH Health-A-Fair” in Lawrenceburg include blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, pulmonary function, foot, colorectal cancer and height/weight.

As at past “Health-A-Fairs,” an optional blood chemistry analysis, including an HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio, will be offered.  Those wishing to have blood drawn for the blood chemistry analysis must provide the name and current address of their personal physician.  This information must be provided when they register, whether it be at a pre-registration site or at the hospital or Miami Center on the day of the fair.

The fee for the blood chemistry analysis is $25.  Results of the analysis will be mailed to both the participant and their physician for follow-up.  Individuals are reminded to bring the name and address of their physician with them.

For the most accurate results, a 12 hour fast immediately before the test is recommended.  Fasting 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 physician’s care should consult their physician 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.

Also available to “Health-A-Fair” participants is a prostate cancer screening.  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 chemistry analysis.  As with the blood chemistry analysis, those wishing to have blood drawn for the PSA must provide the name and current address of their personal physician at the time of pre-registration or registration.

The cost of the PSA is $10 per person.  Results of the PSA will be mailed to both the participant and their physician for follow-up.  Individuals do not have to take part in the blood chemistry analysis to participate in the PSA screening.

Participants are strongly encouraged to contact their personal urologist or family physician as soon as possible in regard to their PSA findings.  Based on individual patient information, physicians may recommend that participants make appointments for digital examinations.

“Health-A-Fair” also will feature a variety of educational displays and learning centers.  Some of the displays planned for the DCH location include the Dearborn County Hospital Lifeline Program, Speech Therapy Department and Stroke Support Group, Nutrition Services, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program/Better Breathers Club, Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and the Vial of Life Program.

Additional exhibitors include the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Support Group, Community Mental Health Center, the Sleep Management Institute, LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, LifeTime Resources and numerous other local and regional organizations and services.

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.  “Health-A-Fair” participants are encouraged to share all screening results with their personal physician.

Registration is available at the door at both locations, however, pre-registration is recommended.  Sites listed below are for pre-registration for the “Health-A-Fair” at Dearborn County Hospital on March 6.  Pre-registration sites for the Cleves event will be listed in future publications.

If you would like additional information on either “Health-A-Fair” location, please call the hospital at (812) 537-8190 or (800) 676-5572, ext. 8190.