Special to The SUN
Springtime in Pagosa means it’s time for the 9Health Fair and preparations are in full swing. Pagosa Springs residents associate the first Saturday in April, which is April 5 this year, as the day to visit the Pagosa 9Health Fair at the high school from 7 a.m. to noon.
For the past 35 years, 9Health Fairs have provided people from all walks of life with low-cost and free health screenings, as well as education to help them better monitor their own health. While many Coloradans are experiencing changes in their healthcare policies, 9Health Fair is proud to offer the same low-cost screenings and high-quality health information that participants are used to seeing year after year.
The most popular low-cost blood draw screening is the $30 blood chemistry screening that gives baseline information on blood sugar (glucose), cholesterol, triglycerides, liver, kidney, bone and muscle function, and may show warning signs of diabetes, heart disease and other concerns. This screening can help you and your doctor monitor your health and prevent health issues from becoming emergencies. In order to receive the most accurate results, you should fast for 12 hours prior to the blood draw. Drink plenty of water during your 12-hour fast and continue to take your regular medications. If you are diabetic, do not fast. The Pagosa 9Health Fair offers vouchers for the blood chemistry screening and you can call 731-4248 to see if you qualify.
There will be more information about other low-cost and free medical screenings in future issues of The Pagosa Springs SUN.
A new benefit to the 2014 Pagosa Springs 9Health Fair is online registration. Although credit cards are not accepted the day of the fair, April 5, you can register online with a credit card at www.9healthfair.org/findafair. You will need to complete your online registration at least 48 hours prior to April 5.
Plan on attending the 2014 Pagosa 9Health Fair on Saturday, April 5, from 7 a.m. to noon at the Pagosa Springs High School and be responsible for owning your health. For more 9Health Fair information, please call 731-4248.