It's that time of year again for area seniors.

The Lawrence County AARP chapter is sponsoring its annual AARP Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Multi-Purpose Senior Center in Sybene. Anyone age 50 and older is encouraged to attend. AARP membership is not required.

The following free test screenings will be offered: Chiropractic, blood pressure, muscle testing and acupressure, height and weight, hearing, cholesterol and glucose tolerance (non-fasting), pulmonary function, spinal evaluation and stress evaluation.

For women, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital's mobile unit will provide free mammograms, pap smears, osteoporosis and peripheral vascular disease screenings. An appointment must be made prior to the fair by calling the hospital at (800) 977-8378.

Some services will be limited to the morning hours, some to the afternoon. Doors will not open before 9 a.m.

The CAO Senior Services Program will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $3.50.

"(The AARP fair) provides the opportunity for people who may not have insurance coverage to go and get free screenings which may identify a problem and help them know if they need to go for additional treatment," Marilyn Grant Howard, Lawrence County AARP chapter president, said.

For people living on a limited income, the free screenings can mean the difference between staying healthy and going without medical treatment.

"They think of it as their yearly check up because they do not have insurance," Howard said. "So, they plan on our having it every year,"

In addition to the screenings, help will be available for people needing to apply for a Medicaid prescription drug card.

Howard said seniors should bring their medications with them and someone will be there to help them fill out the necessary forms.

Depending on income, seniors may be eligible for $1,200 credit on the discount card. Monthly income cannot exceed $1,047 for an individual or $1,405 for a couple. To qualify, seniors must be on Medicare and have no health insurance that provides prescription coverage.

For more information, contact the Lawrence County AARP chapter at 532-3534.