For more than 30 years, LMH Health’s providers and partners have come together to present an annual health fair for patients and community members. This year’s event will take place from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 16 at the LMH Health Main Campus.
“Attending the health fair is an excellent way to get a snapshot of your health,” said Allison Koonce, LMH Health community outreach and engagement supervisor. “There are a variety of screenings to help people better understand where they’re at in their health journey.”
One popular screening is a comprehensive blood profile offered by the LMH Health Laboratory. The profile provides an affordable option to get basic lab results, including cholesterol, glucose and kidney function. Men also have the option to add a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test to screen for prostate cancer. The blood profile is available for $30 ($40 with PSA) if you register by September 7, and $20 more if registering at the event.
“Most people will find this a good value for the cost, regardless of insurance type,” said Holly Hamilton, LMH Health laboratory director. “Some insurances, including Medicare, have policies on the number of times they’ll pay for cholesterol testing, so this is a good opportunity to check your levels between regularly scheduled visits.”
If any results are critical and need to have a quick follow up, a pathology physician will contact you immediately. Otherwise, you can expect to receive results by mail within about three weeks. Hamilton encourages patients to share their results, normal or abnormal, with their primary care physician for evaluation and follow up.
“Even normal results are important to include in a patient’s medical history, as they help your health care team make decisions for your ongoing care,” she said. “If you have any questions about what the results mean, discuss them with your primary care physician. Lab results can only be interpreted for each patient individually by someone who knows your health history and goals.”
Additional screenings available during the Health Fair on the lower level of the Main Campus include:
• Blood pressure checks
• Body mass index
• Bone density screenings
• Fasting blood sugar finger sticks
• Hearing screenings
• Skin cancer checks
• Stroke risk screenings
• Vision screenings
More than 25 LMH Health providers and community partners will also exhibit at the Health Fair. This provides an opportunity to gain information, interact and ask questions on a variety of health topics.
Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) will also be on hand from 7:30 to 10 a.m. to provide a flu shot clinic for those ages 18 and older. Seniors age 65 and older will be able to receive a high-dose shot while supplies last. The regular dose is available for $35, and the high dose will cost $80. Either is free for those with Medicare Part B. Make sure to bring your Medicare card and valid ID. Insurance can’t be billed, but you can pay by cash, check or credit card. Contact VNA for more information at 785-843-3738.
LMH Health will provide free breakfast to Health Fair participants. You will also have the chance to win door prizes, including tickets to fall KU athletics events and a gift basket from the LMH Health Gift Shop.
“Attending the LMH Health Fair gives you the opportunity for free health screenings, low-cost blood work, flu shots and education on health topics that affect everyone,” Koonce said.
— Autumn Bishop is the marketing manager and content strategist at LMH Health, which is a major sponsor of the Journal-World’s Health section.