By Rhys Baker

The Clay County Health Department is hosting a health fair through October 31. Participants must make an appointment for the lab screening and fast for the test. Health Fair Coordinator Nikki Burwell, RN, explains why the lab screens are essential, “It’s really good to follow all of your labs every year just to ensure that they’re tested. It also, like the hemoglobin A1C, can help you establish if you’re prediabetic or diabetic. And the cholesterol is super important to follow because that is, you know, number one reason for heart attack.”

Since 2020, the health department has expanded the fair from one Saturday to nine business days, mainly due to COVID-19, as participants did not want to wait in line and possibly expose themselves. The screening is offered twice a year, in October and May. Possibilities include a basic blood panel, a heart risk and stroke risk indicator, a hemoglobin or A-1-C check, a prostate-specific antigen lab, and a vitamin D check.

Burwell explains why she thinks this is the time of year to have the screenings done, “The best part about it in October is that you get your flu and your COVID and any other vaccines that you might need all at the same time. It’s quicker because sometimes the turnaround time is quicker. People without insurance or a high deductible can come here and get the, labs done at a lower cost.”

The lab screening results are sent to the participants so they can share the information with their doctors.