A simple risk assessment for heart disease will be among the free screenings offered at the 2017 Grundy County Wellness Fair, set for the morning of Saturday, January 7 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital. Photo submitted

GRUNDY CENTER Low-cost blood screenings and a variety of organizations and services that support overall health and wellness will be available at the Grundy County Wellness Fair, Saturday January 7th, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital. The Grundy Center Wellness Committee sponsors the fair to give individuals and families of all ages the convenience of ‘one-stop shopping’ for a healthy beginning to the 2017. In addition, the Pink Nose, Warm Toes 5K and Walk with a Doc events will offer healthy outdoor activity during the event.

The Wellness Fair features a variety of free health information and screenings, as well as low-cost blood work that provides people with their key numbers for good health. Wellness lab tests for thyroid, A1C, and PSA (prostate), general chemistry and complete cholesterol profile. The cholesterol profile requires fasting after 10:00 p.m. the evening prior to the testing.

Free screenings available at the Wellness Fair include: Blood pressure, body composition, foot health assessment, heart risk assessment, balance assessment, diabetes risk assessment, memory screening and a healthy sleep assessment. A free breakfast will be available in the hospital’s East J Caf, sponsored by the Grundy County Farm Bureau. In addition, attendees have the chance to win prizes.

The Pink Nose Warm Toes 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., and offers first and second place prizes in each of nine age categories for both men and women. Registration for the 5K is available on the hospital’s website, www.grundycountyhospital.org. Proceeds from the 5K will benefit Community Health Grants sponsored by the hospital Foundation.

Walk with a Doc begins at 9:00 a.m. and will include a 20 minutes outdoor walk with Dr. Eric Neverman, including an opportunity to have health questions answered.

“Cold weather makes it challenging for people to get the regular physical activity they need to maintain good health. The 5K and Walk with a Doc events are aimed at encouraging outdoor activity in the winter months,” says Andrew Peters, Wellness Committee member and director of the Grundy Family YMCA. Peters says the annual Wellness Fair is a low cost and convenient way for people to learn about local wellness resources as they set personal wellness goals for 2017. “We are fortunate to have many resources available to support good health, and the Wellness Fair offers adults, families, and seniors the chance to see what’s available to meet their needs.”

Wellness Fair vendors include:

Basic Bodyworks Massage

Blackhawk Hearing

Cedar Valley Hospice

First 5 program/Blackhawk County Health Department

Grundy Center Ministerial Association

Grundy Center Wellness Committee and Community Gardens

Grundy County Emergency Management

Grundy County Environmental Health

Grundy County Extension and Outreach

Grundy County Memorial Hospital Therapy, Surgery, Radiology, and Specialty Clinic

Grundy County Memorial Hospital Lab offers low-cost blood screens

Grundy County Memorial Hospital Heart Aware risk assessment; Diabetes Education and

Nutrition

Iowa Legal Aid

I-Smile Kids Dental Program

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging

Operation Threshold

Pathways Behavioral Services

Runner’s Flat

Safe Routes to School/Iowa Northland Council of Governments

UnityPoint Clinic

UnityPoint/Blackhawk Grundy Mental Health Center

UnityPoint Hospice/UnityPoint at Home

The January 7th event takes place at the hospital, 201 East J Avenue in Grundy Center. More information is available at grundycountyhospital.org.