'Well Aware' health fair is Wednesday

Area residents can learn more about health-related services and programs in the Le Mars community and surrounding area by attending the "Well Aware" Community Health Fair Wednesday.

The fair, sponsored by Floyd Valley Hospital, will be held from 2-6 p.m. at the Le Mars Convention Center upper level. The Well Aware Community Health Fair is free of charge.

"We have some new vendors coming this year," said Kari Daale, community health education assistant at Floyd Valley Hospital.

"New York Life will be doing the Child ID program, which includes giving out ID cards and a digitally recorded CD for parents," Daale said.

Weather permitting, the Mercy Air Care helicopter will be on display from 2-5 p.m.

"They haven't been able to come the last couple years," Daale said.

Other outside exhibits will include the Le Mars Dive Team, the Le Mars Ambulance Service and Le Mars fire trucks.

"Motor Inn will be doing child car safety seat checks for parents, too," Daale said. "They will make sure the car seat is the right size for the child and installed correctly. They will also check that all seats are safe to use."

A variety of medical providers will offer health-related services such as blood pressure checks and diabetes screening.

A four-hour fast is required for the diabetes screen. That screen is not for those previously diagnosed pre-diabetes or for diabetics.

No seasonal flu vaccines will be given at Wednesday's health fair, according to Daale.

Although previously scheduled for the fair, Floyd Valley Community Health announced last Friday that the last doses of seasonal influenza vaccine would be distributed at the Oct. 9 public clinic at Hinton, due to manufacturers being unable to provide all the doses ordered.

Educational information will cover an array of health issues, including nutrition, cancer, blood and organ donation, exercise, dental health, mental health and more.

"It's a good time to come out and see local and area health-related businesses and what they can offer in the way of information and services," said Daael.

Light refreshmnents of popcorn, apples and ice cream by Wells' Dairy will be available to all participants.

"We also have a number of door prizes to be given away," said Daale.

Door prizes include a Nintento Wii, two Orpheum Theatre tickets, and a night's stay at King's Pointe in Storm Lake.

"There's definitely something for all ages at the fair," Daale said.