Why have a Health Fair?

Is a health fair just an opportunity to learn about medical products and services? Is it just a chance to receive free screenings? Is it just an opportunity to meet the physicians that serve this community? No. It's all of these and more. And for the staff of Medical Arts Hospital it is a labor of love and a chance to serve the community that supports us.

During the planning for the upcoming health fair, my perspective of health fairs has changed. In the past, I have lovingly referred to health fairs as "health grabs" because there are always so many pens, trinkets, and giveaways to pick up. I viewed them only as a "marketing opportunity" seeing the greatest benefit for the exhibitors.

However, many times throughout the making of this fair, I have been approached by departments at our hospital and community members who sincerely want to make sure this community is aware of the valuable program or service they provide. I've been moved by "life savers" who desperately want to share life saving information, and physicians who know that lives are saved when treatable diseases are caught through health fair screenings. I used to think health fairs were all about getting "free stuff." Now I know that what we give is not only free, but priceless.

New Location

This year's health fair has been relocated to the Dawson County Senior Citizens Center to accommodate the 52 exhibitors who will offer information, testing, and demonstrations. Our goal with this health fair is to make it more interactive. Instead of telling you about a piece of equipment we have at the hospital, you will see us operate the equipment. Some of that equipment will even be used to do on-the-spot screenings.

Demonstrating the latest technology

We are viewing this fair as a virtual hospital "Open House". Nearly every department in the hospital will be represented and will bring any equipment for demonstration they possibly can. At Medical Arts, we are very proud of the level of technology and sophistication we have at our little community hospital. Still many hometown patients believe they must go to a larger market to use the latest equipment. How do I know this? Because I was one of those people.

In a million years, I didn't believe that our hospital would have a 3D-4D sonogram machine. So during my last pregnancy I traveled to Lubbock 3 times a week for fetal monitoring with a specialist where I received these 3D images of my daughter Macy in the womb. Would I have rather done this at home? You better believe it.

That's why it is our desire to make sure this community knows what is available at our hospital. Not just for the hospital's benefit, but for yours. It is in the interest of your time, your gas money, your quality of life to see what is available at Medical Arts Hospital. This health fair will be your best chance.

Small Classes Offered

The interactive nature of this health fair continues in classes that will focus on healthy portion sizes and healthy eating and low impact exercises using common items in the home. Peggy Hughes, Dawson County Extension Agent, will teach the healthy eating lessons in the senior citizen center kitchen. Carolyn Hogg, Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Lab at Medical Arts will lead a small class in simple and effective exercises perfect for senior adults. Upon signing in at the health fair, participants will be able to select a class time and sign-up for a small class. Spaces are limited.

Testing and Screening

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of attending a health fair is the opportunity to check your current health and receive education regarding common conditions. Participants at this year's health fair will be offered eight different screenings: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Breast Exam, Prostate Exam, Eye Screening and a $5 Lipid Panel (blood test including cholesterol.) New this year are two exciting screenings designed to show potential build-up of plaque in arteries. The Carotid Duplex Scan will look for plaque in the carotid artery and an Ankle-Brachial Indices will scan the arteries in the ankles looking for signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

With so many booths, vendors, tests, and demonstrations this health fair has something for everyone. If you are an adult who is curious about your own health or the health of this community, this event is for you.

The Medical Arts Adult/Diabetic Health Fair will be Thursday, Sept. 13th from 4-7 pm at the Dawson County Senior Center at 611 N. Austin.

Melissa Matlock
Director, Community Relations
Ph: 872-5727 ext. 333