Older Lawrence Countians looking for medical advice can find it in Sybene this week.

Saturday, September 23, 2000

Older Lawrence Countians looking for medical advice can find it in Sybene this week.

The local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons will hold its annual Health Fair 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Multi-Purpose Senior Center in Sybene.

"It’s a real opportunity for those people who don’t have annual health screenings to come out and get a free screening or test," said Marilyn Howard, president of the local AARP chapter and co-chair of the health planning committee.

Last year, the Health Fair drew about 176 participants for a variety of medical information, Mrs. Howard said.

AARP invites more to come out this year, she said.

The majority of medical tests available are free for those 50 and older. Participants don’t have to be an AARP member.

Affordable health checkups are often a problem for senior citizens and older residents, so the Health Fair is an opportunity to get those needed exams, Mrs. Howard said.

"It’s good to take the screenings in order to detect problems before they become a major issue," she said. "It’s good preventative medicine."

Seniors are living longer and healthier today, but they are also faced with many more types of health problems today, Mrs. Howard added.

"So, it is important they come out and have screenings," she said.

– River Valley Health System: pulmonary functions, mental health, osteoporosis, interactions of herbals and traditional medications and blood work. Blood work includes glucose and cholesterol screening. Chemical, lipid and PSA screening costs $10 each, or $15 for both lipid and chemical screening.

– CAO Medical Centers: height and weight, and blood pressure checks.

– Family Guidance Center: depression screenings.

– Tri-State Medical: osteoporosis checks and exit interviews.

– Bellefonte Hospital: skin cancer screening. (Information will be available on free screening for breast, colon and prostate cancers.)

– Hal S. Deter, DDS: dental screenings 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. only.

– Blanton Chiropractic Service: chiropractic evaluations.

– King’s Daughters Medical Center: hearing checks and glaucoma exams.

– Genesis Hospital System: body fat analysis and grip strength measurements.

– Huntington Podiatry Associates: podiatry examinations.

– Lifeline Screening of Cleveland: carotid vascular, abdominal aortic aneurysm and ankle brachial index checkups. Checkups cost $35 each, or $95 for all three.

There will also be information from Alzheimer’s Association, Park Avenue Apartments and alternative medical treatment. Lunch will be provided for $3.50.