Health fairs target Wellington and RFL

For the first time, the 9Health Fair will have events in Wellington and Red Feather Lakes, as well as Fort Collins and other communities in Colorado.

On April 5, prior to the fairs, Red Feather Medical Clinic in Wellington will take blood drawings at Health Fair prices so people can avoid the lines. The service will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon.

On April 14, the health fair goes to the Red Feather Medical Clinic, 168 Main St., 7 a.m. to noon. Along with the traditional Health Fair screenings, the clinic will be offering Pap tests - the first 50 are free.

On April 16, Health Fair takes place at Wellington Community Church, 8545 Third St., also from 7 a.m. to noon. Wellington Eye Care will offer free vision and glaucoma screenings at Wellington and Red Feather Lakes. Those interested should bring their current eyeglasses.

Health Fair is scheduled for two days in Fort Collins at Christ Center Community Church, 2700 S. Lemay, on April 22 and 23, 7 a.m. to noon.

The fairs provide health education and basic health screenings to individuals 18 and older. A 31-component blood analysis is just one of the free and low-cost services available.

The blood analysis is available for a $30 fee. To receive an accurate blood analysis, the following guidelines should be followed: fast for 12 hours (diabetics should not fast); drink plenty of water to keep hydrated; and continue taking all prescribed medications as normal. Men over age 40 years may take advantage of the prostate cancer screening for a fee of $25. (Men opting to take the PSA blood test should follow strict guidelines prior to this screening in order to ensure accurate readings.) In addition, for $5, participants may purchase a take-home Colorectal Kit for the early detection of colon cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.