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Show B4 The Emery County Review, Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Castleview Hospital hosts health fair C. Josie Luke In an effort to increase community health awareness, Castle View Hospital hosted their 5th annual Health Fair Oct. 21. The fair offered an opportunity for members of the community to receive discounted health screenings and information from health professionals. Organizers of the event decided to intensely focus on community health in their fifth year, so they offered cholesterol screenings, blood sugar tests, fitness analyses, breast exams, skin cancer screenings and blood pressure and oxygen level tests, along with flu shots. According to Pam Konakis R.N. a co-chair of the event, they hoped the screenings and information Support Emery County DEmoCrats Jim matheson U.S. Representative District 2 would “make people more aware of what a healthy lifestyle entails.” She explained that when patients are more educated about their health, it is easier for them to make lifestyle changes so they can be well. “It makes them more aware, because sometimes you don’t think about going to your doctor if you feel good, so if you have the screenings and something is not quite right, then you can follow up with your doctor,” she described. As an example of the effect the health fairs have had, Konakis described one woman who came the first year they held the event. “I remember one lady who came out our very first year and her blood sugar was high and her cholesterol was high. She came back in and got education. Now, when she comes in, she’s lost weight, she exercises and all of her levels are in range. It’s really really exciting to see that you can make a difference.” Many community members took advantage of the screenings offered during the event. Konakis reported that 87 people received lipid and diabetes screenings, 32 received breast cancer screenings, 28 received skin cancer screenings, 22 were given flu shots and 42 attended the lunch featuring Laurie Pitchforth County Commission Photos by Josie Luke A visitor to the Castleview Hospital health fair has his blood sugar checked. speaker by Dr. Anna Beck, an oncologist from the Salt Lake area. The screenings, which are given at a discount of nearly 70 percent in order to bring the greatest number of people in possible, have become quite popular. Konakis reported that people even call and ask when the screenings will be held again. Organizers also hope the discounted screenings at the fair draw community members who don not have insurance. “It gives them an idea of where they stand with their health,” Konakis explained. “A screening at a health fair never takes the place of visiting your doctor, but if people don’t have health insurance they are less likely to go to the doctor unless they have a reason.” A number of community agencies teamed up to organize the health fair including the Community Health Awareness Team of Castleview Hospital, Community Nursing Services and the Southeastern Utah District Health Department. Konaksi specificall y mentioned Linda Beal from CNS, Richard Polster from Rocky Mountain Home Care, her co-workers Eva Tseng, Elaine Bowman, Sherry King, Brain Powell and Cris Rena, the Caslteview Hospital Auxiliary, and the hospital’s administration. Coming November 18, 2008 Swell Recipes Brad King Utah Senate District 27 REVIEW Emery County The Emery County’s Locally Owned Newspaper Brad King for Utah Senate District 27 • • • • • • 12 years legislative experience 10 years of legislative leadership 12 years transportation committee Respected by both Republicans and Democrats Proven track record No personal agenda My commitment is to continue to work for the people of Emery County and not for myself. My priorities will continue to be: • Protect our mining and energy industries. • Continue to push for improvements on Highway 6 and 10. • Fight for the proper training and safety of our miners. • Protect and expand the role of College of Eastern Utah. • Push for tools to diversify our economy. • Fight to keep or our public lands public and open for multiple use. Visit www.bradking4utahsenate.com Vote Experience Vote Brad King This advertisement paid for by friends and neighbors of Brad King. |