Groton event to offer free health screenings
May 30—GROTON — Older adults may have delayed health care appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and an event this week at Thrive 55+ Active Living Center is intended to remedy that.
Hartford HealthCare is sponsoring a free Universal Screening Day from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the Thrive 55+ Active Living Center at 102 Newtown Road.
"Within the last three years during the COVID epidemic, our older adult population has been most impacted in terms of access to care and their overall health and well-being," Michele Brezniak, East Region Community Health nurse with Hartford HealthCare, said. "Many older adults have put off receiving care or have not been able to obtain access to the care they need for many reasons, including fear and reluctance surrounding the health care system."
"This event will help to 'right the ship' and enable many in the Groton community and surrounding towns to access much needed services and information," she said.
Brezniak said there have been smaller screening events over the past year but this will be the first large-scale event. It is free and open to everyone.
According to a flyer, the available health screenings will include a test to diagnose diabetes, screenings for neuropathy, memory loss, Parkinson's disease, balance problems, circulation issues, blood pressure and an overall health assessment.
In addition, counselors will be available to screen people for anxiety, depression and substance abuse and to offer information on how to get care. Dietitians will be available for nutrition counseling and pharmacists will answer questions about medication. People also can learn about warning signs for cancer and about men's health.
The screenings and educational information are being provided by Hartford HealthCare's Cancer Institute, Ayer Neuroscience Institute, Behavioral Health Network, Rehab Network, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Podiatry, Tallwood Urology and the Backus Hospital Community Health Department.
