United Way Health Checks set for May 9, 23

Staff reports
·3 min read

MONROE COUNTY — Two Spring Health Checks will be offered in May by the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties and ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.

The annual Health Checks provide low-cost health testing and health information in the spring and fall. Spring dates and locations are: 8 a.m. to noon May 9 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 8330 Lewis Ave., Temperance, and 8 a.m. to noon May 23 at the Dundee Assembly of God, 13790 S. Custer Road, Dundee.

Health Check fees are low because of partnership collaborations, the United Way said.

Offerings include:

  • A 22-panel blood test is available for $20 and includes: complete blood count, glucose, kidney function, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, thyroid function and total cholesterol check.

  • Additional Vitamin D and HA1C tests are available at a low cost. Vitamin D tests measure how much vitamin D is in the body. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and a lack of it can lead to health problems including cardiovascular disease, organizers said. HA1C (also called glycohemoglobin) is a blood test that is an aid in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. It is an index of the person’s blood sugar from the previous few months. All tests range in price from $5 to $20. A 12-hour fast is recommended before blood tests. Test results are mailed to the individual’s home address. Patients’ blood pressure is taken before tests.

  • The Monroe County Health Department will be on site offering a variety of adult vaccines.

  • Free medication disposal will be offered. No syringes, liquids or creams will be accepted. “This is a safe way for you to dispose of any expired or unused prescription or over-the-counter medication,” United Way said. “Drop- off is anonymous, and any patient identifying information will be destroyed.” Medication disposal is sponsored by the Monroe County Substance Abuse Coalition, Monroe County Health Department, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, Michigan State Police and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

  • Health Checks typically offer a memory test.

  • Legal information is offered by Monroe County Senior Legal Services.

  • Staff from several ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital departments will attend, including: Nutrition Counseling, Pharmacy, Pulmonary Functions, Pulmonary Rehab, Cardiac Rehab, Women’s Center Health, Family Center Mental Health Center.

  • Also onsite will be staff from the Monroe County Library System, Monroe County Opportunity Program and Area Agency on Aging 1-B.

“We are so excited to offer our spring Health Check events. This is a much-needed service for the communities we serve,” Laura Schultz Pipis, executive director of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, said. “Special thanks and recognition to the ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital for all their hard work and dedication in making our Health Check events possible.”

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Initial funding for the project comes from ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital and the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, while the partners conduct all the testing, lab work and supply staffing and volunteers, Schultz Pipis said. Major Health Check partners are Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Family Medical Center and the Monroe County Health Department.

For more information, contact the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties at 734-242-1331 or visit unitedwaymlc.org.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: United Way Health Checks set for May 9, 23