Texas County Memorial Hospital is sponsoring at community health fair from 7-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the First Baptist Church in Cabool.
The free screenings provided include a colorectal cancer screening kit, osteoporosis screening, body fat analysis and blood pressure checks.
Informational displays will feature healthcare services available at the hospital and through other healthcare providers, such as Community Blood Centers of the Ozarks, American Cancer Society, Heartland Lions Eye Bank, Kabul Nursing Home and Ozark Independent Living.
The only screening with a charge is the $15 heart health and diabetes screening. The blood test provides a complete lipid panel to indicate total cholesterol: HDL (good cholesterol); LDL (bad cholesterol); and triglycerides.
The same screening will also provide a blood glucose test, which is commonly used to check for diabetes.
To ensure the most accurate results for the cholesterol and blood glucose, participants are asked to avoid eating or drinking for eight hours before having their blood drawn for the screening.
The screening is offered on a first-come-first-served basis; no appointments will be taken. The fee covers processing costs. Results will be mailed to participants within two weeks of the screening.
Medicare recipients can receive a cholesterol and blood glucose test such as the one provided at the Houston Community Health Fair, but they will need to get this test through their healthcare provider. TCMH will not bill Medicare or any insurer for the screening on Aug. 21.
Libby Waterson, education director at TCMH, has coordinated the community health fair for Houston, Licking, northwest Texas County and Cabool. Similar information and screenings will be offered in Mountain Grove in October.
For additional information about the health fair, contact Waterson at 417-967-1340 or libby@tcmh.org.