The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Over two million lives in Colorado have been impacted by 9Health Fair over the years, from gaining valuable information about their health to life-saving interventions. 9Health Fair is the place to begin your journey to a healthier, more informed and more empowered you. No matter where you are with your health, Health Starts at a 9Health Fair. The annual Haxtun event, put together in part by Haxtun Hospital District and the Haxtun Lions Club, is slated for Saturday, March 28 at the Haxtun Community Center.

9Health Fair provides Coloradans access to important preventive health screenings and education with 90 health screening locations across the State. A complete list of 9Health Fair locations, times and screenings can be found at 9HealthFair.org/health-fairs/find-a-fair. 9Health offers services and support, including education, digital tools, personalized health information and a new online results dashboard to help you say yes to healthy living!

9Health Fair’s enduring support of the community is due in large part to thousands of volunteers, including health care professionals, who donate their time to help advance health in Colorado. Each health fair offers affordable lab screenings and many locations offer additional health screenings at no cost such as hearing, vision, body mass index and more. Preventive care starts at the fair and this year, 9Health Fair will offer two new screening packages, Baseline Health and Essential Health along with its standard offerings.

• New: Baseline Health — Screenings Included: Blood Chemistry & Hemoglobin A1c (Diabetes). The Baseline Health comprehensive blood screenings provide a general overview of your health. Learn about your cholesterol levels, thyroid issues and your risk for type 2 diabetes.

• New: Essential Health — Screenings Included: Blood Chemistry, Hemoglobin A1c (Diabetes) and Vitamin D. The Essential Health comprehensive blood screenings provide a general overview of your health. Learn about your cholesterol levels, thyroid issues, the risk for type 2 diabetes and indicators for bone health.

Health care professionals are on-hand to offer advice and help participants decide which health screenings are appropriate for them. Included at each location are:

• Blood Chemistry — This screening provides information on blood glucose, cholesterol, electrolytes, liver, kidneys, thyroid and more. It can help you and your healthcare provider monitor and identify health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

• Hemoglobin A1C Diabetes Screening — This screening measures your average blood sugar control for the past two to three months and screens for type 2 diabetes/prediabetes or used to follow existing diabetes treatment.

• Vitamin D — Provides baseline Vitamin D levels, which is important to bone health and may affect other vital body functions.

• Vitamin B12 — Provides baseline Vitamin B12 levels, which play a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a cause of anemia, numbness and other sensory issues, memory and mood impairment.

• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) — Measures a protein produced by the prostate gland. After discussion with your healthcare provider, this screening may be recommended for individuals age 69 or younger or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

• Testosterone (male) — Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Levels are best represented when the screening is performed in the morning. Low testosterone levels in males can affect energy levels, mood and cognitive function, sexual desire, bone and muscle mass and fat distribution. Low testosterone levels can be caused by many conditions. If out-of-range, seek further evaluation to screen for other underlying issues such as sleep apnea, depression, opiate and other drug use, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders and others.

• Blood Cell Count — Measures white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Screens for your body's ability to fight infection, anemia, some clotting disorders and cancers.

• Colon Cancer Screening Kit — This take-home/mail-in kit checks for human blood in the stool. Screens for colon cancer and colon polyps and may indicate hemorrhoids or colon inflammation.

• High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein — This screening may better define your risk for cardiovascular disease when added to traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history and obesity. Elevated hs-CRP is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

• Blood Type — Blood test to show what type of blood you have. There are four different blood types.

Based on the most current research findings, the 9Health Fair Medical Advisory Committee has determined that fasting is not required (optional) for blood screenings. To best prepare for a blood draw, drink plenty of water and continue to take prescription medications. People with diabetes should not fast. Check with your health care provider for specific recommendations.

Each 9Health Fair also offers a variety of free screenings such as blood pressure, breast exams, prostate/testicular, oral, hearing, foot, skin and more.

For more information, please visit http://www.9HealthFair.org or call 1-800-332-3078.