The 34th annual Cary Medical Center Health Fair will be held this Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Organizers of the event are pleased with response from more than 30 exhibitors who will attend and display a variety of information and services.
In addition to the exhibitors, free flu shots will be available as well as a number of free health screenings. Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary, said that the exhibitors add a special dimension to the event.
“We are very impressed with the response of the exhibitors. They bring a new dynamic to the event and provide a world of information to our guests,” said Flagg, who along with the Cary Medical Center Auxiliary originated the health fair in 1980. “It is wonderful that this health fair tradition has continued now for more than three decades.”
Blood pressure, cholesterol, pulmonary function tests, a special rehab exhibit and a chair massage are among the offerings at the health fair. Kim Parent, Cary’s public relations generalist who is also coordinating the fair, said that the support of volunteers is key to the project’s success.
“Each year Cary Medical Center volunteers as well as volunteers with the hospital auxiliary provide support for the health fair,” said Parent. “Without their help we would not be able to host such a comprehensive and diverse event.”
The health fair began giving free flu shots a number of years ago when the threat of flu became a national concern. Over the years, the flu vaccine has been made available to help reduce the risk of the illness, particularly in the elderly community. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine soon after it becomes available in the community, ideally by October. Vaccination is especially important for people 65 years and older, because they are at high risk of complications from the flu.
“We anticipate hundreds of people at the health fair looking for the flu shot and while they are there they will hopefully be taking advantage of all the other activities. We will even have a bouncy house for children.”
For more information on the Cary Health Fair, call Parent at 498-1112.
