Ironton residents Peggy and Harlan Day believe that AARP's annual Health Fair made a huge difference in their lives.

At a fair two years ago, a screening diagnosed a vascular blockage in an artery in Harlan's groin that other tests had failed to pinpoint. Armed with the test results, the Days went to Lexington where doctors inserted a "stint" that greatly improved circulation in his leg and foot.

"It helped him tremendously," Peggy said. "He is walking now. He was in terrible shape before and could not walk."

Without the Health Fair, the problem would not have been diagnosed as quickly, she said.

Providing the tools for senior citizens to remain healthy and happy is the focus of the annual fair Thursday at the Multi-Purpose Senior Center in Sybene. The services are available to anyone 50 or older. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the fair ends at 2 p.m.

"The fair is an opportunity to obtain a number of different screenings at no cost and point out if they have any abnormal areas they should talk to their family doctor about," Marilyn Grant Howard, president of the Lawrence County chapter AARP said.

"Now is the time to act to try and keep problems away and have a more enjoyable life," she said. "Prevention is the key."

More than a dozen local hospitals and health providers will offer free health screens for chiropractic problems, blood pressure, body fat analysis, glaucoma, muscle testing and acupressure, height and weight, hearing, cholesterol and glucose tolerance, pulmonary functions, sleep assessment, spinal evaluation, stress evaluation and skin cancer.

Two other tests require pre-registration and have variable fees. For Life Line Screening, call 1-800-407-4557. For mammography screening, call 1-800-977-8378.

Seniors can also apply for two discount prescription programs. Those enrolled in Medicare with an income less than $18,000, or $24,000 for couples, may apply for the Pfizer Share Card Program that provides prescription drugs at $15 for a 30-day supply.

With a total income less than $28,000, or $38,000 for couples, seniors can apply for the Together RX Prescription Savings Card that provides discounts on drugs manufactured by eight companies.

To apply, seniors must bring their Medicare card, 2001 tax return and their Social Security Benefit Verification Statement.

Also, 200 free flu shots will be available on a first-come first-serve basis.

In its fifth year, the health fair's success has grown each year. Last year, more than 250 people attended.

Howard said many seniors look forward to this and use it as their physical exam because they cannot afford to go to the doctor. After not offering it one year, they received numerous complaints.

"It would not be possible without the cooperation of all the service providers and hospitals," she said. "Many people give up their time to come up here."