COA hosts annual health fair
Published 9:18 am Thursday, September 14, 2017
CASSOPOLIS — At the Cass County Council on Aging Friday, Anita Braden patently waited as she stood next to her husband as he got his blood pressure checked.
“I’m excited to get [my blood pressure] checked,” Braden, 64, said. “I’m here to get everything checked out.”
The COA hosted its annual health fair from 8 to 11 a.m. last Friday. The event was sponsored by Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital, with them and other local health providers offering many free health screenings to senior citizens.
These screenings included:blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, total lipid testing, colo-rectal screenings, glucose testing, hearing screenings, oral care screenings, PSA testing, skin cancer screening, teeth and denture checks, vision screenings and glaucoma testing.
Aimed toward senior citizens, the health fair was particularly helpful to people like Braden, whose insurance does not cover many of the screenings offered at the fair.
“We are here to take advantage of all the free health exams and get my yearly check up,” said Braden, who has been coming to the event for the last two years. “My insurance isn’t great, so we find [the health fair] really beneficial.”
The event was not just beneficial to the senior citizens who attended; more than a dozen vendors and services also came to the event to advertise and spread information about their work.
Medical equipment vendors, health care providers and other vendors set up booths in the main room of the COA.
Even non-profit, government and public safety organizations had booths at the event.
“This is a great way to get the word out about our programs,” said Rose Green with the veteran’s administration. “Most veterans are seniors, and a lot of people don’t know there is a veteran’s affairs office here. So, events like this help us.”
Green gave out pamphlets and other handouts with information about how veteran’s services can help seniors.
Cass County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Makenzie Kreiner was at the event representing the sheriff’s office and promoting Project Lifesaver, a program that helps deputies locate people who become lost or are prone to wander, such as those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
She also showcased other programs geared towards seniors from the sheriff’s office, like a program designed to help shield seniors from identity theft.
“It’s important for seniors to know about these things, and I like to get the information out to seniors any way I can,” Kreiner said.
No matter the reason they came, most who attended the health fair described the event as a pleasant experience and said that they could come again next year.
“There are so many friendly and helpful people here,” Braden said. “I’m grateful to be here.”
