Free health fair in Ephrata ends Thursday
Courtesy photo<br> Children dressed as fruits and vegetables greet families at last year's Columbia Basin Health Fair Family Night.
EPHRATA — About 30 vendors are offering free information at the Columbia Basin Hospital 2009 Health Fair.
The event is today and tomorrow, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Ephrata Recreation Center. A Family Night with special activities is Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
During the mornings, guests can obtain information on bone density, nutrition, colon care and other topics, said Public Relations Coordinator Susan Scheib.
“It gets awareness out to the community,” Scheib said.
Free children’s immunizations are offered at the daytime event, sponsored by the Grant County Health District and Ephrata Rotary.
For $25, a person can be tested for blood sugar, lipids, anemia, electrolytes, liver enzymes, kidney function and thyroid.
Other tests include a prostate-specific antigen test for $15, body fat analysis for $10, blood typing for $5, and bone density testing for $25.
“The results do not go to the doctor. They go to you,” Scheib said.
Colon cancer screening is complimentary.
Family Night features a free lasagna and spaghetti dinner sponsored by Ephrata Lions Club. Games are offered for children 12 and younger.
“Family Night is directed only at kids and their families,” Scheib said.
Interactive booths and games include Wii Fit, a health food walk, gold fish toss, tattoo booth, germ busters, spin and win and bean bag toss.
Child volunteers can be seen dressed as fruits and vegetables.
Kids will learn about topics including nutrition and hand-washing. Prizes and drawings are offered.
No testing is done during Family Night.
About 125 people attended Family Night last year, Scheib said.
She expected a larger attendance this year.