Health Fair 11 to offer free or low-cost health screenings

Free and Low-cost Health Screenings

Visitors attending the Minnesota State Fair will find some great health deals when they stop by Health Fair 11 at the Fair. More than a dozen organizations will offer free or low-cost health screenings. Among the screenings are: cholesterol testing (non-fasting), diabetes screening (glucose -- non-fasting), blood pressure checks, blood typing, hearing and vision assessments, bone density and body fat measurements, and weight readings. Fairgoers can learn about their flexibility and balance when they test their skills in the Wii® activity challenge. Or they can experience the value of relaxation by taking a break in the therapy garden. Fairgoers can even log the number of steps they take at the Great Minnesota Get Together by checking out a pedometer. People who rack up 10,000 steps will be eligible for a prize drawing. A variety of health education materials will also be available.

Seasonal Flu Shots Available Starting September 1st

September is the 'new' October when it comes to seasonal flu shots. Acting on new immunizations guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Fair 11 will offer vaccinations to prevent seasonal flu (not the H1N1 flu). Starting September 1st, nurses with the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA) will be offering flu shots to anyone age four and older. Vaccination hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Several insurance plans and Medicare will cover the costs of the immunization. All fair goers need to do is present their current insurance card. Shots are also available to people who wish to pay the cash rate of $24.99. You'll find the MVNA nurses working in UCare's exhibit space.

Nine Years of Healthy Fair Fun

This is the ninth year for Health Fair 11 at the Fair. Since 2001, more than 291,000 screenings have been documented. The exhibits and screenings are located in the East Crossroads Auditorium at the intersection of Dan Patch Avenue and Cooper Streets.