PRCIL hosting 20th annual Community Health Fair Thursday

Apr. 2—The Palestine Resource Center for Independent Living's is hosting its 20th annual Community Health Fair Thursday, April 4.

"The number of uninsured adults in the U.S. today is more than 30 million which is approximately 9.2 % of the total population," said PRCIL's Executive Director, Sara Minton. "A recent survey finds that more than two in five working-age adults are struggling to afford care. It is shocking to learn that Texas continues to be the number one state with the highest percentage of uninsured among its population, which is about 17%. We have more than 58,000 people living in Anderson County and roughly 30% of this population under the age of 65 are living without health insurance. So many of the uninsured individuals living in our rural community cannot afford the expense of doctor visits and costly tests due to limited income. Because of the high numbers of uninsured individuals in our county, we felt it was important to have a community health fair with as many free screenings to reach the uninsured residing within our county and surrounding areas."

This event is being sponsored by Palestine Resource Center for Independent Living, ACCESS, Palestine Regional Medical Center, Crossroads Family Care Clinic, Heart to Heart Hospice, Walmart Health Center (Palestine), Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System and Court Drive Church of Christ.

"Palestine Regional Medical Center will have a large presence this year bringing doctors and specialized personnel performing screenings, assessments and providing valuable health related information to be shared with fair participants," Minton said.

"Sponsoring the health fair aligns with our hospital mission of making communities healthier," said Becky Falconer. "Dr. Castellanos and his clinic staff do free heart disease screenings and our new nurse practitioner, Desiree Cody is doing complementary A1C screenings. Palestine Regional Medical Center wants you to "Be Well. Live Well. That's why we're here."

"The Trinity Valley Community College LVN and Cosmetology students will both be performing activities that have never been offered at our previous fairs," Minton said. "The LVN student activities will include Nutrition and Food Security, Home Safety, Hygiene/Hydration, and Oral Care. Ruth Cook, MSN, RN, CNE and TVCC LVN Coordinator stated that the students choose their own topics and the fact that lack of good oral care has been associated with an increase in pneumonia deaths and hospitalizations, the students chose the topic 'Oral Care' to educate fair participants. The TVCC Cosmetology Department will be performing Face Shape Analysis and Head and Scalp Assessments."

This year's health screenings available will include:

—A1C screening

—Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

—Blood Pressure

—Blood Glucose Screening

—Body Fat Analysis Assessments

—Body Mass Index (BMI)

—Body Weight Assessments

—Bone Density Screening

—Carotid Doppler Screening

—Cholesterol Screening

—Diabetic Foot/Neuropathy Screening

—EKGs — 12 Lead

—Ear Screenings with Otoscope

—Fall Risk Assessment/Timed Up and Go (TUG)

—Framingham Cardiac Assessment

—Head and Scalp Assessment

—HIV and STD Screening

—Glaucoma Screenings

—Iron Deficiency/ HGB and HCT Assessment

—Low-Dose CT Cancer Screening

—Memory Screening

—Mental Health Screening

—Oxygen Saturation and Pulse

—Peripheral Artery Disease

—Sleep Assessment

—Visual Acuity

—Wound Care Assessment

Mammography

The Ross Breast Center Mobile Mammography will be performing mammograms.

Follow these steps to register:

—Call Ross Breast Center at 903-606-5433.

—Choose option number three to schedule the appointment.

—Give the date and location of the event: Thursday, April 4, PRCIL Community Health Fair, Court Drive Church of Christ 1434 Court Drive in Palestine.

On the day of the event:

—Bring a Photo ID.

—Present your insurance card (if insured).

Most insurance is accepted; however, it is the responsibility of the individual to contact the customer service number on their insurance card to verify the in-service benefits and that insurance will be accepted. This should be done prior to the actual screen April4.

—A physician's order is NOT required to receive a mammogram, however, a physician's name is required for mammogram results to be mailed.

Cash payment of $186.30 will also be accepted.

Grant assistance may be available through NET Public Health District. To inquire about assistance, call 903-593-7474 and ask for Enedina or Arnetta. All uninsured and underinsured must call for screening to prequalify for grant assistance through NET Public Health District prior to the event.

Blood Drive

Carter BloodCare will be conducting a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those that donate that day will receive a free Cater BloodCare umbrella. Individuals planning to donate blood need to be aware of the following basic donor guidelines:

—Must be at least 17 years of age and in good general health; there is no upper age limit

—Minimum weight of 110 pounds

—Must have completed antibiotics 24 hours after the receipt of last dose

—Donor may take blood pressure medication and have no cardiovascular symptoms

—Donor may take cholesterol medication

—Diabetics may donate if controlled by oral medication and diet

For more information or to register as a donor, call 903-724-8288.

Food Vendors

There will be several food vendors, including the Palestine High School Hospitality Class, will be taking part in this community event Thursday, handing out food samples.

"Michelle Mason PHS CTE HOSPITALITY instructor and her team of practicum students give tirelessly to the community," said Larissa Loveless, Director of Public Relations for Palestine Independent School District. "Mrs. Mason instills the importance of every element of a successful event in her students. They plan and prepare incredible culinary creations for events as well as serve with impeccable attention to details. Most important, however, is the kind and gracious manner she and each of her students deliver their knowledge and skills each time they are involved in an event. They represent the Wildcat Nation well."

Other food vendors for this event include:

—Bella Serra Pizza and Grill

—Brookdale Assisted Living

—Chili's

—Cotton Patch

—Dairy Queen

—Dogwood Trails Assisted Living

—Jucys

—La Patrona

—Pronto Gyros & Pizza

—Rancho Alegre II

—Starbucks

—Subway

—Taqueria Mi Rancho

—Tri-County Meals on Wheels

—TruCare Living Centers Palestine

"This fair is for every community member, there is no age limit," Minton said. "We are especially hopeful that individuals who do not have health insurance and are living on fixed incomes will take full advantage of this opportunity to get the free screenings at no expense to them."