ARMC to host free health fairs for seniors

The Alpena Regional Medical Center will be hosting free Senior Health Fairs in Alpena, Alcona and Presque Isle counties throughout October.

Martha LaFave, ARMC Community Health Outreach Coordinator and RN, said the ARMC tries to host a senior health fair in different counties encompassing its service area.

Each fair will have a variety of screenings including screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and glaucoma. Colorectal cancer screening kits will also be given away.

LaFave said details are still being worked out, but screenings for oral cancer and stroke may also be available.

The stroke screening is fee based and is expected to cost $99. The screening will include a carotid doppler study, a peripheral vascular study to make sure the lower extremities are getting the correct amount of blood flow and an EKG.

"That's a pretty good price for that type of service," she said.

Flu shots will also be available to seniors at the time. LaFave said the Center for Disease Control recommends that flu shots begin in October and continue well into December.

She said a flu shot would be a good idea for seniors planning on traveling to areas where the flu season is earlier. Seniors planning on receiving their flu shot should bring their Medicare card.

LaFave said the Alpena Senior Center and hospices are among the variety of senior services that will be present at the fairs. She said the fairs are targeted for people who are either caring for a senior or who are a senior, so they will know what kind of services are out there and what's available in the community to help meet their needs.

The Alpena Senior Health Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

"Historically, Alpena has had two senior health fairs in the Catholic diocese, and St. John's church has housed one senior health fair and we've always housed a senior health fair at Luther Manor," LaFave said. "This year we're combining our senior health fairs so there's only going to be one senior health fair in Alpena. We're bringing all of our resources together so it should be a great health fair." Seniors can also expect a free lunch and door prizes at the Alpena Health fair. She said grants from the Area Council on Aging help defray the cost for seniors 60 and over.

The senior health fair in Alcona county is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 from 1-5 p.m. at the Lincoln Senior Center. Services similar to those in Alpena will be featured. A free dinner will also be provided at the event.

The Presque Isle County Council of Aging will host its fair on Friday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. until noon. The event will provide similar services to those in Alpena including a free box lunch. Short, educational lectures called break-out-sessions will touch on estate planning, medicine cabinet make overs and senior nutrition.

Free transportation will be provided to and from the senior centers in Rogers City and Onaway. Call 766-8191 to reserve a seat.

LaFave said seniors will need to schedule appointments for many of the screenings. Call 356-7337 to make an appointment.

Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.