Be proactive in prevention, early detection

9Health Fair

When: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: Summit High School

What: 31 component blood chemistry analysis for $30, other health screenings, health care professionals available for questions

Other: If you are going to have the blood screening done, don’t eat eight to 12 hours beforehand. Also, for any of the low-cost screenings, bring cash or check.

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FARMER’S KORNER — In today’s world of high and rising health care costs, 9Health Fair offers an inexpensive opportunity for people to become educated about their health, officials said.

This Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon at Summit High School, health care professionals will be available to answer questions, and among other screenings, a 31 component blood chemistry analysis will be available for $30.

“To me, this all comes down to prevention ... instead of getting into a crisis situation,” said Dr. Curtis Slack, who is chairing the event locally presented by The Rotary Club of Summit County.

Every year after the event, health professionals inform about a number of people about health concerns, including some that if left untreated could be fatal, Slack said.

One of the testimonials on 9Health Fair’s website talks about how as a result of the blood screening, the woman was referred to a cardiologist who found a partial blockage in her arteries. And in fact, last year volunteers nurses and doctors spent 443 hours calling participants in the health fairs throughout the state with critical or alert health situations within 72 hours of their visit.

In Summit County, last year more than 1,000 people turned out for 9Health Fair and “we’re anticipating even more this year,” Slack said. Throughout the state in 2007, 87,000 were served, according to the 9Health Fair website.

This year, some of the health care professionals who will be available include dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, dermatologist and pharmacists. Additionally, people can enter data into a cardiac risk computer program to determine their risk, Slack said.

Free screenings include weight, height, vision and body mass index. An optional PSA test for men more than 40 years of age will be available for $15. And new this year, a blood count screening will be available for $15 as well.

Anyone planning on having the blood chemistry analysis, can drink water but should not eat anything eight to 12 hours beforehand.

Cash and checks will be accepted at the event. For more information about 9Health Fair check out www.9healthfair.org.

<i>Lory Pounder can be reached at (970) 668-4628, or at lpounder@summitdaily.com.</i>