A free community health fair for metropolitan area residents will be held Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Community College South Campus.
For the fifth consecutive year, UNMC and ConAgra Foods will co-sponsor the south Omaha community health fair. Participants will receive health information and screenings that include:
- blood pressure
- blood sugar & total cholesterol
- oral care for adults and children
- height, weight and body mass index
- lead check (children under age 7)
- vision/glaucoma screenings
- colorectal take home kits
- prostate blood draw
- head/neck exams (cancer)
- carbon dioxide testing for smokers
“Many of our community’s most chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are preventable,” said Athena Ramos, program coordinator in UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities. “Because access to early, annual screenings is crucial to maintaining healthy lifestyles, we are excited to continue the partnership with ConAgra Foods to provide these important screenings to the community.”
The health fair will culminate the activities of Bi-National Health week. The annual event will take place in 40 U.S. states and three provinces in Canada. It is designed to focus attention and prevention of health issues that Hispanic immigrants face in the U.S. This year’s campaign will promote awareness about obesity, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, autism and emergency preparedness. Although the week’s activities are designed to assist the Hispanic community, the health fair is open to anyone.
“Our goal is to raise awareness about healthy living and encourage the Hispanic community to take necessary steps to maintain their health. In addition, the community at large can benefit from access to important health information and screenings,” Ramos said.
In addition to health screenings, participants will receive referrals for follow-up care. The event also will offer food, prizes and activities for the entire family.
Sponsoring organizations include: UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities, The Nebraska Medical Center, South Omaha Community Care Council, Creighton University Medical Center, Mexican Ministry of Health, Nebraska AIDS Project, UNMC College of Nursing Mobile Nursing Center, Latino Center of the Midlands, Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, One World Community Health Centers, Inc., Boys Town Pediatrics, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, El Perico newspaper, Nebraska Health and Human Services, Douglas County Health Department, Consulate of Mexico, Radio Lobo, and Alegent Health.
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