MEEKER | 9Health Fair is celebrating 40 years of providing access to important preventive health screenings and education with 100 health screening locations across the state this April. 9Health Fair will be in Meeker on Saturday, April 27 from 7-11 a.m. at the Meeker Elementary School.
More than 2 million lives in Colorado have been impacted by 9Health Fair over the years, from gaining valuable information about their health to life-saving interventions. As health care costs and confusion rise, 9Health Fairs remain affordable, accessible and convenient. In addition, 9Health has added services and support, including education, digital tools and personalized health information to assist people year-round.
9Health Fair’s enduring support of the community is due in large part to thousands of volunteers, including health care professionals, who donate their time to help advance health in Colorado. Each health fair offers affordable lab screenings, and many locations offer additional health screenings at no cost such as hearing, vision, body mass index and more. This year, 9Health will offer two new screenings, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (heart health) and blood type along with its standard offerings.
Health care professionals are on-hand to offer assistance and advice to participants to decide which health screenings are appropriate for them. Included at each location are:
-Blood Chemistry ($35) This screening provides information on blood glucose, cholesterol, electrolytes, liver, kidneys, thyroid, and more. It can help you and your healthcare provider monitor and identify health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
-Hemoglobin A1C Diabetes Screening ($35) This screening measures your average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months, and screens for Type 2 diabetes/prediabetes or used to follow existing diabetes treatment.
– Vitamin D ($50) Provides baseline Vitamin D levels, which is important to bone health and may affect other vital body functions.
-Vitamin B12 ($25) Provides baseline Vitamin B12 levels, which play a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a cause of anemia, numbness and other sensory issues, memory and mood impairment.
-Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) ($35) Measures a protein produced by the prostate gland. After discussion with your healthcare provider, this screening may be recommended for individuals age 69 or younger, or those with a family history of prostate cancer.
-Testosterone (male) ($45) Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Levels are best represented when the screening is performed in the morning. Low testosterone levels in males can affect energy levels, mood and cognitive function, sexual desire, bone and muscle mass, and fat distribution. Low testosterone levels can be caused by many conditions. If out-of-range, seek further evaluation to screen for other underlying issues such as sleep apnea, depression, opiate and other drug use, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders and others.
-Blood Cell Count ($25) Measures white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Screens for your body’s ability to fight infection, anemia, some clotting disorders and cancers.
-Colon Cancer Screening Kit ($30) This take-home/mail-in kit checks for human blood in the stool. Screens for colon cancer and colon polyps, and may indicate hemorrhoids or colon inflammation.
-High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) ($35) This screening may better define your risk for cardiovascular disease when added to traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history and obesity. Elevated hsCRP is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
-Blood Type ($30) Blood test to show what type of blood you have. There are four different blood types.
Based on the most current research findings, the 9Health Fair Medical Advisory Committee has determined that fasting is not required (optional) for blood screenings. To best prepare for a blood draw, drink plenty of water and continue to take prescription medications. People with diabetes should not fast. Check with your health care provider for specific recommendations.
Each 9Health Fair also offers a variety of free screenings such as blood pressure, breast exams, prostate/testicular, oral, hearing, foot, skin and more. These screenings vary by location. Select fairs also offer free health screenings for children. To find a location near you or to register online, visit www.9HealthFair.org.
ABOUT 9HEALTH
9Health is the largest volunteer-driven, non-profit health, wellness and prevention effort in the nation. Our mission is to raise health awareness and provide people with the tools they need to take responsibility for their health. Thanks to the support of more than 12,000 statewide volunteers, we’ve helped save thousands of lives by providing affordable, convenient screenings and health education. Since inception, we’ve proudly impacted more than 2 million individuals who took the time to learn more about their health and take control of their lives. 9Health holds unique endorsements from the Colorado Medical Society, the Colorado Nurses Association and the Colorado Hospital Association. Major sponsors include 9NEWS and Quest Diagnostics. For more information, please visit www.9HealthFair.org or call 1-800-332-3078.
