Loveland’s annual health fair to focus on community needs

LOVELAND, Colo. (Feb. 25, 2009) – Organizers of the 2009 Loveland Community Health Fair say the event is an excellent resource for area residents to keep tabs on their health even in a challenging economy.

The 2009 Loveland Community Health Fair will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 in the McKee Conference and Wellness Center at 2000 Boise Ave., Loveland.

Participants can receive a blood chemistry screening for $30, complete blood count (CBC) blood screening for $15, prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood screening for $25, and a take-home colorectal kit for $5. New this year is the High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) blood screening for $15. This is a new screening that can be helpful in assessing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

In addition to low-cost blood draws, the event will offer free screenings for breast health, bone density, asthma, hearing and vision, foot and ankle, glaucoma, posture and oral and skin cancer as well as educational booths. Organizers have added pediatric screenings and a screening for memory disorders

Blood draws take place prior to the event so participants can pick up their results the day of the fair and visit with a physician if they have questions. Participants may register by telephone for blood draw appointments Monday-Friday, March 9-13 and March 16-20 from 8 a.m. to noon. The registration phone number is 635-4181. Please call only during specified times.

This year’s blood draw dates are Monday, March 30 through Saturday, April 4 and Monday, April 6 through Saturday, April 11 from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Please schedule a blood draw appointment during these times. Blood draw appointments will not be available on the day of the health fair.

The health fair is not a substitute for a thorough physical examination and assessment by your physician.  Individuals planning to participate are reminded that they should work with their personal physician to reduce modifiable risk factors determined through the event.  Also, medications should not be altered before or after the health fair unless you’ve been advised to do so by your physician.

Sponsors of the annual event include City of Loveland, Larimer County Medical Society, Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald, Mountain States Tent and Awning and McKee Medical Center.

For more information, visit the online resource for the Loveland Community Health Fair at www.bannerhealth.com keyword: Loveland Health Fair.