Aspen health fair offers early blood draw

ASPEN ” Organizers of this week’s Aspen Valley Hospital Spring Health Fair say they have about 100 volunteers ready to help the as many as 800 people who are expected to show up for a variety of medical screenings and services.

While the main health fair is June 8, the event includes an early blood draw June 7, which was initiated because of the growing number of participants.

“The health fair has gotten big enough to warrant a two-day event “one day [Sunday] with the blood draw and other screenings, and one day [Saturday] with just the blood draw,” noted Ginny Dyche, director of community relations at the hospital. “Our goal is to make the fair a better experience for everyone. Many participants opt for the blood draw only, so Saturday is a great option for them.”

Blood tests offered on Saturday and Sunday include a laboratory profile with complete blood count (CBC) for $46, prostate specific antigen (PSA) for $27, and a Cardio C-Reactive Protein (CRP) for $35.

The lab profile requires fasting for 12 hours (with the exception of water) and tests liver and kidney function, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Diabetics should contact their physician regarding fasting.

The CBC measures white and red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit.

The Cardio CRP blood test measures small levels of inflammation, an early indicator of future risk for heart attack and stroke. Test results can be affected by any type of inflammation in the body, including tissue injury, infections, being overweight or smoking.

The PSA is offered to men 45 and older, although doctors note that it is only one aspect of prostate cancer screening. A digital rectal exam also is recommended, but it is not offered at the health fair.

Other low-cost screenings ” offered on Sunday only ” include a peripheral bone density screening for $25, colorectal cancer kits for $5, tetanus/diphtheria boosters for $14 and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccines for $14.

Free screenings, also offered only on Sunday, include air flow and oximetry, blood pressure, glaucoma/vision, hearing, height/weight and body mass index, knee exams (wear shorts), oral cancer screening, skin exams, vision and waist-hip ratio.

A variety of “information stations” also are part of Sunday’s health fair, including a dietitian, diabetes educator and representative from the American Heart Association to discuss nutrition and answer questions about diabetes and heart disease, and representatives of the Komen Foundation and Women’s Wellness Connection to discuss women’s health issues.

In addition, Aspen Massage Associates will offer free chair massages.

Cash and checks are accepted as payment, but not credit cards.

For more information, call the hospital at 544-1296.