Church to host health care fair

Representatives from more than 60 health-care organizations will be at the 6th annual Community Health Fair on Friday, Oct. 12, at Sierra Presbyterian Church in Nevada City.

Flu shots, screenings, blood tests, advice to be offered

Sierra Presbyterian Church in Nevada City will host its 6th annual Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12.

Screenings available are hearing, vision, blood pressure, body fat, O2 saturation, and physical therapy evaluations. The hospital will offer a low-cost blood draw  $50 for a blood count, chemistry panel and coronary risk panel. A PSA test for men will be cost an additional $20. (Note: this is a fasting blood draw). Western Sierra Medical Group, along with the county, will be giving flu shots for $15.

Over 60 representatives from local health organizations will be available to discuss cancer awareness, heart disease, stroke awareness, mental health,

X-ray imaging, services for seniors, insurance programs, nutrition and diabetes education, healthy food and supplements, exercise programs and other health issues.

Exercise and fitness demonstrations from health clubs will be presented every 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m. in the main building. Nevada County Environmental Services will perform free lead testing of small household items and toys. Door prizes will be announced every 15 minutes.

The health fair is a joint partnership between the church, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Western Sierra Medical Group and the Nevada County Department of Health and Human Services in an effort to raise the community’s awareness about health and wellness resources in our area.

Event coordinator Dick Dirga said the Community Health Fair came about as an outreach effort to reach the community.

“The first fair held six years ago attracted around 200 persons. Each year since then it’s grown larger, and we are expecting over 400 attendees. Obviously, there is a need for an event like this in our community. The fair is free to the public and not exclusively for our church,” Dirga said.

The health fair will be held in two different buildings of the Sierra Presbyterian Church, which is located at 175 Ridge Road (corner of Gold Flat and Ridge). For more information, call the church at 265-3291.