Need an eye exam? Blood pressure check? Body Mass Index reading? Hey, how’s your bone density?
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and local nonprofit health care organizations will be offering free health screenings and information at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nipomo on Oct. 5. The event is part of the Bi-National Health Fair, itself part of the eighth annual Bi-National Health Week, scheduled for Oct. 6 to 15.
Other free screenings and services available will include glucose and cholesterol testing, chiropractic services, breast health information, and diet and nutrition information. Interpreters will be available at every booth.
“We want to encourage screening for treatable conditions,” said Roberta Alderete, an employee at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. “A lot of these people don’t have health insurance or aren’t using their insurance properly. They don’t go for preventive measures or check ups.”
The theme for this year’s Health Fair is “Know Your Numbers.” By being aware of their Body Mass Index, glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol figures, participants can then address issues with their physicians before problems develop. And what kinds of problems are we talking about?
“Well, if they come into the ER with a stroke or heart attack, it could be a tragedy and will be very expensive at the least,” Alderete said. “These conditions can be treated with diagnoses, treatment, and management.”
Community health advocates are also seeing an increase in diabetes among children and teens, caused mostly by a lack of exercise and failure to eat properly. Another aim of the Health Fair is to help make parents aware of the nutritional value of food and portion-size limitations, as well as the importance of physical activity to prevent obesity.
By combating obesity, organizers are also hoping to address a whole range of health problems. Obesity can lead to a higher risk of diabetes, cholesterol, stroke, kidney failure, and circulation problems. By encouraging parents to get their children on a health regime—exercise, nutritional food, and health care—at a young age, they’re helping set up lifelong patterns.
Event coordinators also want the public to know that while they’re reaching out to the Hispanic community, all families are welcome to attend. There will be something for everyone: a bounce house and games for the kids, along with a barbecue and refreshments throughout the day. A representative from the Mexican consulate will be available as well.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Intern Nicholas Walter compiled this week’s Community Corner. Items for consideration should be sent to mail@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 2-9, 2008.