Payson Roundup

Andy Towle/Roundup - atowle@payson.com

The Community Health and Care Fair Saturday will have something for everyone with free and low-cost screenings, tests and lots of helpful information to stay well this winter.

Having laboratory tests performed by your physician can sometimes be unsettling and cause concern. But lab tests are important instruments in evaluating the status of one’s health.

While it is not always possible to diagnose or treat a disease or problem with a single blood test, even just a few tests can help detect potential diseases and or health issues in the early stages.

Payson Regional Medical Center will offer screenings at the Community Health and Care Fair from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 7 in the “old” Payson High School gym.

Low-cost screenings include: complete lipid panel, hemoglobin A1C (for blood sugar) and PSA for men, at a cost of $10 for women and $15 for men.

New this year, free bone density, radiation exposure and HIV rapid testing will be provided by the North Country Community Health Center. The Lions Club will once again offer free vision and hearing screening and the Community Prevention Council offers a “Dump the Drugs” center.

Everyone over the age of 20 should get cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens the risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of a heart attack or dying of heart disease. The cholesterol test evaluates the following: low density lipoprotein (LDL) which is also known as “bad” cholesterol; high density lipoprotein (HDL) known as “good” cholesterol; triglycerides; and total cholesterol levels. If cholesterol levels are too high, various treatments may be recommended ranging from dietary and lifestyle changes to medication.

Other screenings at the Nov. 7 Community Health and Care Fair include: blood pressure, dental, spine, dermatology, nutrition, oxygen saturation, lower extremity circulation, and diabetes screenings.

Those with questions or concerns regarding test results should consult their physician. For information on this year’s Community Health and Care Fair, call 472-2588.