Free Winter Health Screenings Offered Saturday, Nov.
18 During Winter Health Tune Up Event
The public is invited to “Get a Winter Health Tune Up,” Saturday, Nov.
18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the University Medical Associates West, located
in the Clarkson West Medical Center building at 144th and Center streets
near the Oak View Mall.
Sponsored by the University Medical Associates (UMA), the open house
will feature a variety of free activities including health screenings for
blood pressure, diabetes, skin cancer, glaucoma, vision and hearing. Free
flu shots will be available for those at higher risk of developing complications
from influenza (flu). According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), those at highest risk include those over 65, those who
are immunosuppressed and others (see below list for details).
Physical therapists will do grip strength testing and balance testing
for children, as well as provide exercise handouts. UMA health professionals
will give presentations on winter health tips, children’s asthma and women’s
health issues.
“The open house is a wonderful opportunity for the public to meet UMA
specialists and primary care health professionals,” said Robin Stoupa,
UMA Director Ambulatory Services. “It also gives them an opportunity to
become better informed about health issues before the winter flu season.”
Children may participate in teddy bear check-ups, face-painting, hand
washing demonstrations and coloring activities. Door prizes will be given.
Enter the building on the Clarkson West building on the east side.
According to the CDC, persons at high risk for complications from influenza
should receive annual vaccination and include the following: persons aged
65 years and older; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
with residents of any age who have chronic medical conditions; adults and
children aged 6 months and older who have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular
disease, including asthma; adults and children aged 6 months and older
who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the
past year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus),
kidney dysfunction, blood disorders, or immune system problems such as
HIV infection, and those immunosuppressed by medication, chemotherapy or
radiation therapy; and children and teenagers (aged 6 months to 18 years)
who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk
for developing Reye Syndrome after influenza infection.