Colorado Plains Medical Center Health Fair

"New this year is the opportunity to receive a C-IMT screening to predict the risk for heart disease and stroke. This test uses ultrasound imaging to measure the thickness of the inner lining of the carotid artery and detects plaque buildup. Dr. (Bill) Sammond, our full-time cardiologist, in conjunction with staff from the Boone Heart Institute, will be offering this screening for the low price of $65.00 at the health fair," said Schneider-Engle. The American Heart Association recommends C-IMT for all patients over 45 years of age. The test takes about 10 minutes and is non-invasive.

"This is our 10th year of sponsoring a community-wide health fair, and each year it grows," said Schneider-Engle.

The event also will have several health and wellness information booths available, including massage demonstrations, ask a pharmacist/ask a doctor, women's health and mammogram information, diabetes, nutrition (determining body mass index), cancer, heart disease prevention, home care options, establishing health savings accounts, health insurance options and fitness information among more than 40 booth displays and exhibits.

To help alleviate waiting times for blood draws, CPMC is offering the opportunity for people to have blood drawn before the health fair. Health fair participants can come to CPMC the week of the health fair between 6 and 8 a.m., Tuesday through Friday (Feb. 7-10), to have blood drawn. No appointment is necessary.

Early blood draw participants will be able to receive their results at the health fair and visit with a physician with questions they might have pertaining to the screening results. The early blood draws will be held in the large entrance lobby of the hospital.

Blood draws will also be offered at the health fair.

Cost for a comprehensive metabolic profile and lipid panel is $25 and includes: cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, coronary risk ratio, calcium, alkaline, phosphatase, glucose, ALT, AST, bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, albumin, sodium, potassium and chloride. Thyroid (TSH) is an additional $10.

Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) is also available for an additional $20. It is recommended for men over the age of 50 or a man who is 40 with a family history of prostate cancer.

For the most accurate results, 12- hour fasting before the blood draw is required, except for diabetics. Water is permissible and encouraged.

The event is open to the public, and there is no admission fee. The first 400 health fair attendees will receive a free tote bag.

Health fair participants and sponsors include Colorado Plains Medical Center, Morgan County CSU Extension Service, Fort Morgan Medical Group, Heart Center of the Rockies, Centennial Area Health Education, Poudre Valley Health System, Fort Morgan State Bank, Northeast Colorado Broadcasting, Colorado Access, The Body Firm Fitness Center, Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants, High Plains Foot & Ankle, Kadymate, Home Instead Senior Care, Hospice of Northern Colorado, Hertneky Vision Source, City of Fort Morgan, County Express, Platte Valley Hearing Center, Morgan County Ambulance Service, Northern Colorado Allergy & Asthma Clinic, Alzheimer's Association, Valley View Villa, Salud Clinic, Morgan Community College, Safeway Pharmacy, Dr. Lois Ann Elliott, S.A.R.A, Inc., Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Hospice of the Plains, Morgan County Family Center, CPMC Physician Practices, Rural Solutions, Zumba Fitness, Bonfils Blood Center, Morgan County Relay for Life, Edward Jones - Wes Cable, and Maverick's Restaurant.

"With health care costs on the rise, it is imperative that people take better care of themselves and become aware of healthy resources and self-care practices," said Schneider-Engle. "Many employers are no longer offering health insurance as an employee benefit or are reducing the level of coverage. Preventive medicine is the cornerstone of a health care system that focuses on preventing an illness from occurring rather than treating it after the fact. We can all play a role in this move to preventive medicine that ultimately can lead to decreased morbidity and mortality for everyone. Attending a health fair is an excellent way to accomplish this."

For further information, contact Schneider-Engle at 542-3346. Brochures with health fair details are available at Colorado Plains Medical Center, The Fort Morgan Chamber of Commerce, several Fort Morgan physician offices and other local establishments.

For more information - www.fortmorganchamber.org