November 09, 2007
Friday PM

Ketchikan, Alaska - The 2007 Ketchikan Community Health Fair will take place on Saturday, November 10th from 8am to 3pm at The Plaza. Ginny Crag of the Ketchikan-based Tongass Substance Screening and AK STAR Training Institute said over 40 vendors responded to their call and will be at the Fair showing their Healthy products & services.

Craig said all vendors have contributed prizes for the hourly drawings, as well as many give aways. There will be a kids' room with fun games, food and goodies. Join members of the community in the "Hunt for Health" scavenger hunt, where the winner will take home a 1-year membership to the Get Fit, Stay Fit Gym courtesy of Critical Care Inc., a $500 gift certificate from Alaska Airlines courtesy of various donors, a $200 Gift Certificate to Cape Fox courtesy of various donors and a home AED courtesy of Wal-Mart. Craig said, "No one will go away empty handed!"

The Health Fair will also be the end of our "Ketchikan's Biggest Reducer" program. Craig said, "We will be having final weigh-ins by 10am and will be announcing the winners at 2pm. To date the reducers have lost over 200 pounds! "

Blood draws will be from 8am until 1pm. A variety of tests will be offered.

Testing will be available for a Comprehensive Blood Test ($40), which consists of 27 tests, including a cholesterol panel, glucose, anemia, kidney function and more. Craig said, "This is a fasting test, please do not eat for at least 12 hours prior to testing, drink plenty of water and take your medications (diabetics should not fast)."

Thyroid Blood Test Screening ($30) is also available for people who have had the test recommended by a doctor, for women over 45, have a family history of the disease, have symptoms of fatigue, unexplained weight change and/or a swollen thyroid.

Prostate Blood Test Screening ($25) will be available for men over 50, or for men who have a family history of prostate disease. Refreshments will be provided for those who have been fasting said Craig.

First City Rotary is sponsoring the Ketchikan Community Blood Drive in conjunction with Alaska Blood Bank and the Alaska Health Fair. Call the Public Health Center at 225-4350 to sign up for your LIFEsaving appointment. Walk-ins are welcome as time permits said Craig.
The Public Health Center will be offering flu shots for $24, no is appointment necessary said Craig.

Craig said, "All of us at Tongass Substance Screening have been working diligently to get this event organized and off the ground. But, we could not have done this without the many volunteers & vendors who have stepped forward." She said, "We would like to thank all of you in advance for your participation in this event. This will be the Healthcare EVENT of the Year!"

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Ketchikan, Alaska