Published: October 13, 2008 11:15 pm      

FGH’s annual ‘Health Expo’ Oct. 31

FAIRMONT — With anxiety spiking about the economy, Fairmont General Hospital’s annual “Health Expo” on Oct. 31 may be just what the doctor ordered for many people.

More than 17 free or low-cost health screenings will be available at the event, said Dawn Metzgar, FGH’s marketing coordinator. The Middletown Mall will host the show from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. The free event also will feature displays of health care products and information on disease prevention.

“Every year we have around 600 visitors come to the show,” which is one of the few large health fairs in the area, said Metzgar.

The hospital’s popular multiphasic blood lab tests, which cost $30, will start at 7 a.m. and end at 11 a.m., however.

Those who want to take the Multiphasic test should fast for 12 hours beforehand, she said.

FGH is also offering other lab tests for PSA (prostate cancer), lipid profile, hemoglobin A1C, a thyroid panel and B12/Folate. Each of those lab tests will cost $20.

Among the free screenings and tests that will be available are those for: skin cancer, body fat, bone density, blood pressure, blood sugar, color blindness, carpal tunnel, balance, cholesterol, depression, anxiety and breathing/lung capacity.

Two local chiropractor practices will also offer spinal stability and nervous system functioning tests.

Flu shots will also be available for $20, beginning at 9 a.m. The shots are free for those who have a Medicare card, Metzgar said.

Several volunteers will administer the vaccines to keep the lines moving, she said.

“We want to be able to get people in and out with as little waiting as possible,” Metzgar said.

Pre-registration for any of the tests is not required.

Some of the vendors and the screenings they will offer are: Fairmont Family Chiropractic – spinal stability screening and nervous system functioning; Marion County Family Resource Network; Advantage Health and Wellness; Fairmont Home Medical – leg vein screening; Hospice Care Corp. – blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; White Hall Pharmacy; Private Quarters; Sundale Nursing Home; Woman Care, Inc. – bone density/osteoporosis: MVA Fairmont Clinic – bone density, blood sugar checks and Lipid tests; HealthSouth; WomanCare, Inc.; Appalachian Spring Dermatology – skin cancer; Mountain State Dermatology – skin cancer; WV Durable Medical Equipment Co.; Fairmont Rehabilitation Center – carpal tunnel and balance screening; FGH Occupational Medicine; FGH Behavioral Medicine — depression screening & anxiety screening; FGH Laboratory – multiphasic, lipid panel, B12Folate, Hemoglobin A1C, PSA (fees apply); FGH Lifeline; FGH HealthPlex; FGH Oncology Department; FGH Pulmonary Rehabilitation – breathing tests; and the FGH Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center.

More information about the Health Fair is available by calling 367-7543.

E-mail Bill Byrd at bbyrd@timeswv.com.