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Guest column: Local legislators at clinic on Saturday

Let's celebrate! Please join us this Saturday for our 17th Annual Health Fair and Open House made possible by your overwhelming vote of confidence in our last election. The event is our way of saying "thank you" for your continuing support. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and we'll be here until noon. Take advantage of free screening for cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes, as well as free gifts, refreshments and much more.

Over the last six tumultuous months, there are many people who worked diligently to allow Williams-area residents to have their say about continuing local health care. Representative Lucy Mason, Representative Andy Tobin and Senator Steve Pierce were instrumental in our success by introducing legislation to permit the special election-one of the few non-budget items to be considered and passed this year. All three legislators are scheduled to be here on Saturday for a special presentation and recognition ceremony at 10 a.m. Come by for an excellent opportunity to say thank you in person.

Bring the kids! The Safari Van from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona will be here to help promote healthy children. We'll have height and weight checks, blood pressure screening and lots of educational materials on how to keep your children healthy. Make sure your children are ready for school with the most up-to-date immunizations. We'll be providing Vaccines for Children by appointment (call 635-4441) and with a current immunization record. Also, the Williams Police Department will sponsor the bounce house for your jumping pleasure!

Back by popular demand is our free cholesterol screening blood test. Valued at $70, the profile will analyze your blood for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL which is an overall indicator of cardiovascular risk. Numerous studies have shown that the higher your total cholesterol, the greater your chances of dying from heart disease. Just remember, to assure accuracy, have nothing to eat or drink except water 10 hours prior to the test. These tests are intended as screening procedures and interpretation by your personal physician is vital in the assessment of laboratory data.

Could you be at risk for diabetes? A finger stick blood test will be available for screening purposes. Cathy Tomasi is a Registered Dietitian from Peak Nutrition and along with the Williams Diabetic Support Group will be available to answer questions and provide free information about diabetes care and education, nutrition, weight management and exercise.

High blood pressure: the silent killer. Millions of Americans have high blood pressure and don't know it because it is a disease with no symptoms. There are no early warning signs, so the only way to know you have high blood pressure is to have it measured by a health care provider. When it remains undetected and untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of having heart disease, a stroke and kidney disease. So come by and take advantage of our free blood pressure checks throughout the morning.

Do you know how to properly dispose of prescription drugs to help curb drug abuse, accidental overdose, and protect U.S. water sources? Bring your unwanted prescription drugs to the Health Fair for safe disposal sponsored by the Williams Lions Club. Take advantage of this community drug take-back program that allows the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal.

Many organizations work together with our staff to make this annual event successful. Community representatives from Relay for Life, Williams Alliance and Alcoholics Anonymous will be on hand to answer questions and provide valuable information

As you can see, we have a lot in store for you and your family this year. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and we'll be here until noon. It is with gratitude and celebration the Williams Hospital Governing Board and the entire staff at WHCC are honored to offer this event; especially this year. We look forward to seeing you and your family on Saturday.


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