By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Cary Medical Center is making plans for the 30th annual Cary Health Fair and Flu Shot Clinic which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Caribou High School.
Once again this year, the Health Fair will feature the first of seven annual free flu shot clinics provided by Cary in collaboration with Pines Health Services.
“We are so pleased that our vaccine supply has arrived and we are able to provide our free community clinics again this year,” said Bill Flagg, Cary’s director of community relations and development. “This season’s flu vaccine protects against both the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu viruses, so only one shot, as opposed to separate vaccinations, is necessary this year,” he explained.
Flagg also said that the health fair provides a valuable community benefit and that residents in area communities look forward to attending the event every year.
“Over the 30 years we have provided our free health fair, people have learned a great deal about potential health problems,” Flagg stated. “We know that information individuals have learned has helped them to take proactive steps to improve upon their health and wellness. We have always been very careful to explain that the health fair is simply an informative, interactive event and not a substitute for a regular check-up with their physician and that they should have regular medical checkups. Still, the information, brochures and health screenings received by health fair participants have been very valuable in educating them about a variety of health issues,” he said.
In addition to flu vaccinations, the Oct, 23 Health Fair will feature other traditional free health screenings including cholesterol, blood pressure, vision, hearing, nutrition, blood sugar and more, all provided by over 100 volunteer health professionals.
Flagg also commented, that moving the event to Caribou High School from the hospital has a number of advantages, including more space for the various clinics and vendors, and better access to parking for participants.
For more information on the Cary Health Fair contact the Cary Medical Center Community Relations Office at 498-1361 or 498-1112, or visit Cary’s website at www.carymedicalcenter.org.
