The Haines Health Fair, a biennial event that offers a low-cost blood test and screenings as well as a variety of free information about health and wellness, will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Haines High School.
A $45 blood test includes testing for 27 functions like kidney and liver function, as well as for electrolytes and lipids. Such a comprehensive test typically costs exponentially more than that, said Pam Sloper, Wisewoman Women’s Health Nurse for SEARHC.
“These tests are (typically) not cheap. They’re very, very reasonably priced (at the fair),” Sloper said.
Other screenings available for a fee include ones for thyroid stimulating hormones, average glucose, prostate specific antigen, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Celiac disease, blood typing and colon care. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted.
The fair also offers free blood pressure checks, and exhibits and presentations on health, wellness and nutrition. Dietitian Kate Fossman will talk about fiber and Toni Smith will share information on essential oils.
Exhibits will include ones by Bartlett Regional Hospital, Southeast Alaska Independent Living and Parents As Teachers.
“Typically we get people who don’t always go to the doctor all the time. It’s a good way to at least get that information on how you’re doing, and hopefully do something with it,” Sloper said.
The event is sponsored by Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and Alaska Health Fair, Inc..
To learn more, go to http://www.alaskahealthfair.org or call 907-273-0234. Fasting up to 12 hours and drinking plenty of water are recommended previous to the comprehensive blood test.