Health fair set for Friday in Kimball

Taking steps to keep people healthy is the idea behind the Kimball Community Health Fair set for Friday, May 8, at Kimball Health Services.

A cooperative effort between Kimball Health Services and Wyoming Health Fairs, the health fair offers low-cost blood testing and free vital sign testing as a community service to help residents identify health problems before they become life-threatening.  The event will run 7-11 a.m.

Full blood chemistry profiles are available for $30.  The profile is a full 32-level screening for bone and electrolyte levels, heart and kidney functions, liver and lipid functions with cholesterol, protein, iron, glucose and thyroid levels. 

“This test requires fasting for 12 hours, unless you’re diabetic,” said Pennie Anderson, KHS community health nurse. “You can drink water and take medications as usual.”

Those participating in the health fair are asked to enter the west doors of the hospital, 505 S. Burg St.  For those people who need to be at work by 8 a.m., an “express lane” will be available at the south entrance.

Checks should be made out to Wyoming Health Fairs, and credit cards will be accepted.        

No appointment is necessary to participate, and blood test results should be received in the mail within 10 to 12 business days. 

During the same blood analysis, men 50 and older can receive a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer for $30. If there is a family history of cancer, it is recommended at age 40.

Other tests include a hemogram ($15), which is a complete blood count (CBC) of red and white blood cells and platelets. It also screens for anemia, leukemia and other disorders that affect blood cells.

Hemoglobin A1C measures historical blood sugar for up to three months. This test is recommended at least twice a year for diagnosed diabetics. This test is offered at $25, and is also recommended at least once for all adults over age 30.

The C-reactive protein (CRP) ($25) test can provide physicians with information about a patient’s risk of heart disease. The ferritin ($20) test indicates the level of high iron stored and can be useful in screening for hemochromatosis, anemia and some liver disease. The colo kit, offered for $10, is a take-home test to screen for risk of colon cancer.

Bone density screenings using Kimball Health Services’ DEXA bone density scanner, used to detect the early stages of osteoporosis, will be available for $50. Free blood pressure checks will also be available.

“As a reminder, some insurance companies do not cover lab tests done through local health fairs,” Anderson said. “Please contact your insurance carrier directly with any questions.”