The Annual Community Health Fair at the Monroe County Hospital & Clinics will be held on Wednesday, October 12th from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. During this time, anyone may come to the Monroe County Hospital & Clinics during the designated time without a physician’s order or an appointment and receive a wellness profile, as well as Flu Vaccinations for a nominal fee. The event will take place in the Conference Center at the southeast corner of the hospital (Entrance East 3).
The screenings will include:
- Glucose – a measure of the sugar that circulates in the blood.
- Creatinine and BUN – 2 tests that measure kidney function.
- Sodium (NA), Potassium (K), Chloride (CL) and CO2 – these electrolytes are necessary for fluid balance, muscle function and proper acid-base balance.
- Calcium and Phosphorus – are important for bone health.
- Enzymes as indicators of Liver Disease – AST, ALT, and ALP are enzymes which reflect liver function.
- Total Protein and Albumin – are measures of protein metabolism and general nutritional status.
- Cholesterol – High cholesterol is a known heart disease risk factor.
- Triglycerides – these are fats. High Triglycerides and cholesterol levels indicate a significant risk of coronary heart disease.
- HDL and LDL – also known as “good” and “bad” Cholesterol are used to monitor lipid therapies and assess risk of heart disease.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – Test of Thyroid function which controls many metabolic functions in the body.
- Ferritin– evaluates the amount of iron stored in the body.
- PSA (Men Only) – Screening for Prostate Cancer for men.
The cost is $30 for the Wellness Screening and $30 for the PSA Screening for men. Jim Carle, Laboratory Manager, states, “We provide this low-cost general health screening as a service to the community. If we are able to identify even one at risk individual through this program, it is worth it. The nominal fees don’t cover the entire cost of the program. There are many additional supplies, reagents and people involved to help make the process a smooth one.”
Participants will need to fast for at least 12 hours before getting their blood drawn, but may drink water or have 2 cups of plain black coffee before the tests. Any other beverages are not acceptable.
Participants may receive flu shots also during the house of 6:00a until 10:00a. Flu vaccinations are $20. However, if you have Medicare Part B, there will be no charge. You must bring the appropriate card with you so a copy may be obtained for accurate billing. We will be unable to accept other cards such as Medicare Advantage, Humana, or PPF contracts.
Pre-registration is not necessary. However, to speed up the process, registration forms are available at the Albia Newspapers Office as well as the Hospital Registration Department, Emergency Department, Laboratory Department, and at the Hospital Medical & Specialty Clinics. They may also be picked up at Peoples State Bank and First Iowa State Bank.
MCHC would also like to invite area businesses to consider this as a benefit to their employees. Shauna Griffin, Communication Manager and Health Fair Coordinator, states “We know having healthy employees is critical. Area employers have contacted us and made arrangements for their employees to participate and MCHC will bill the employer. It is a simple and inexpensive means for employers to help employees review their health and find problems early.” To set up such arrangements, for more information or questions, please contact Shauna Griffin at 641-932-1705. Refreshments and a small token of our appreciation for your participation will also be offered.