Press release from Dearborn County Hospital

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Dearborn County Hospital will host its 32nd annual Health-A-Fair on Saturday, March 2, from 7:00 a.m. to noon at the hospital in Lawrenceburg.  The event offers a wide range of health screenings and exhibits for those 18 years of age and older.

In addition, DCH will offer Health-A-Fair at the Miami Center in Cleves, Ohio, on Saturday, April 13, from 8:00 until 11:00 a.m.  This second Health-A-Fair will be located at the Miami Center, 8 North Miami Avenue, on the west side of the building which houses the public library.

Some of the free health screenings offered at this year’s Health-A-Fair in Lawrenceburg include pulmonary function, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, foot and height/weight.  Free colorectal cancer screening kits will be available for home use.

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 analysis must provide the name and address of their personal physician.  This information must be provided when they register, whether it is 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 $30.  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 for Health-A-Fair purposes 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 doctor’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.

Health-A-Fair participants may also take part in a screening for prostate cancer.  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.

Exhibitors participating in the Fair on March 2 include the American Cancer Society and its Breast Cancer Support Group; American Red Cross Southeastern Indiana Chapter; Community Mental Health Center; Dearborn County Health Department; Gambling Recovery Ministries; Lawrenceburg Public Library; LifeCenter Organ Donor Network; LifeTime Resources, Inc.; National Kidney Foundation; Office of the Indiana Attorney General; Ripley Crossing; Shady Nook Care Center; Southeastern Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group; Southeastern Indiana Independent Living Center; TriHealth Digestive Disease Institute; Woodland Hills & Southern Pines Care Center; and the Waters of Dillsboro-Ross Manor and the Waters of Rising Sun.  Foot screenings will be available by Podiatrist Dr. Carl Goodin, Jr., of the Centers for Foot & Ankle Care.

Also participating will be a variety of Dearborn County Hospital departments and facilities including the Breast Care Center; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Endoscopy; Imaging and Radiology; Nutrition; Occupational Rehabilitation; Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Better Breathers Club; Speech Therapy and the Stroke Support Group; the Vascular Center; and Women-Infants-Children (WIC).  In addition, the DCH Auxiliary will be on hand to distribute the Vial of Life.

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 DCH Health-A-Fair including the blood chemistry analysis and the prostate specific antigen screening. 

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 are for pre-registration for the Health-A-Fair at Dearborn County Hospital on March 2.

Pre-registration for the Cleves event will be held at the Miami Center in April.

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, or visit the hospital’s website at www.dch.org.