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Senior health fair at AVH this Friday

Aspen Times Staff

A health fair for seniors 55 years and older will take place Friday, Nov. 18, at Aspen Valley Hospital.Aspen Valley Hospital, Community Health Services and Pitkin County Senior Services are sponsoring the health fair. Registration is 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the front lobby.Free testing will include blood pressure, height and weight, lung airflow, colorectal cancer kits, glaucoma and vision screening, a balance and fall risk assessment, and urinalysis. The flu vaccine will cost $20, or free to those with a Medicare card. PneumoVac shots (pneumonia vaccine) are $35, or free with a Medicare card. Diptheria/tetanus boosters are $25, and a peripheral bone density screening costs $20.A laboratory profile is $42 and includes tests for anemia, blood sugar, liver function, kidney function, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and thyroid. Those seeking a lab profile blood test should plan to fast for 12 to 14 hours, but drink lots of water, before having their blood drawn. Diabetics should contact their physician for special instructions.Men who would like to have a prostate-specific antigen blood test can do so for an additional $26. A new blood test offered this year is the cardio C-reactive protein (CRP) for $35. The cardio CRP is recommended for anyone wanting to assess risk of heart disease; it measures small levels of inflammation, now recognized as an early indication of future cardiac risk, independent of other risk factors.Exhibits and literature also will be available, and the Aspen Valley Hospital volunteers will open Sally’s Gift Shop at 8:30 a.m. for those wanting to start their holiday shopping.Rides to the health fair can be arranged by calling the senior center at 920-5432. For more information on the health fair, contact Ginny Dyche at 544-1296.