The purpose of a health fair is to provide early detection of health problems and to increase health awareness in all Alaskans through screenings and education.
The Delta Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, from 8 am to noon at the Delta Community Center. Free health education and screenings will be available. Blood pressure, Vision, Height, Weight, BMI will all be checked for free.
Low-cost blood tests will be available. The Comprehensive Blood Test includes a panel of 24 tests such as cholesterol, white blood cell count, glucose for diabetes, anemia, kidney function, etc. This test requires a 12 hour fast and costs $45. Drinking plenty of water is helpful. You must be 18 to have a blood draw. All prescription medications should be taken and diabetics should not fast. There will be juice and a snack available for participants after this screening test.
A new A1C diabetes screening which does not require a fast will be available for $25. The Thyroid screening blood test will be $30. Prostate Screening blood test will be $25 for men only.
A new Vitamin D Screening blood test will be available ($50) for the first time in Delta. Colorectal Screen Kits will be available for $5.
Flu shots will be available by Public Health if the vaccine arrives in time.
Various health education exhibits, models and learning centers are offered at Alaska Health Fairs. We believe that an interactive learning experience is the best. People of all ages can be actively involved in learning about health and wellness. Educational booths offering information about a variety of health concerns include: Alaska Autism Resource Center, Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Arctic Chiropractic, and Lifeline of FMH.
Alaska Health Fair started in 1980 as part of the National Health Screening Council, a movement led by John F. Brensike. This movement identified a need for improved health screening and health promotion within the United States. The National Health Screening Council started with Health Fair organizations in all 50 states. Alaska Health Fair is one of two remaining original organizations.
Alaska Health Fair provides health, safety and wellness information on issues that affect all Alaskans and the choices they make. Education on diet and nutrition, heart disease, regular physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use not only enables people to make healthy choices, but also saves lives.
Volunteers are a critical part of the service offered by Alaska Health Fair. Each year, more than 4,000 individuals volunteer at health fairs throughout Alaska. We think of our volunteers as the heart of the Alaska Health Fair. They allow us to serve in communities across the state at no cost to participants.
Both medical and non-medical volunteers are essential for a successful fair. Non-medical volunteers help with registration, vision testing, height and weight measures, set-up, take-down, statistics, and many other jobs throughout the duration of the fair. Medical volunteers conduct blood pressure screenings, conduct check-out and evaluations and draw blood. Medical professionals with specialized training can conduct glaucoma screenings, hearing screenings, oral cancer screenings or skin cancer screenings for health fair participants. They also refer participants to local resources and encourage them to lead healthier lives.
We are always looking for more volunteers. If you would like to help, please visit the Alaska Health Fair website: www.alaskahealthfair.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab. Download the Volunteer Application that applies to you.
The last football home game that the Delta Huskies played against the Barrow Whalers. Final score was 45-0. Delta lost but played a great game. Photo display courtesy Carol Watkins
Who wouldn’t like to hike down this tree lined trail on such a beautiful sunny fall day in Alaska? Such days are to be enjoyed as they are all too rare. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon
We saw a mama and baby moose on Fort Greely a few weeks ago. If you look close enough, you will see little antlers on the little one. Photo Courtesy Melany Wilkins
The view of Moose Pond from Bluff Point on Labor Day weekend. Photo Courtesy Cindy Lou Aillaud