Aloha … from BethC Gifford raises money for March of Dimes
Free Geriatric Health Fair
to be held Sept. 22 at Gifford
RANDOLPH, Sept. 7, 2010 – Gifford Medical Center in Randolph is holding a free Geriatric Health Fair on Sept. 22 from 1-4 p.m. in the hospital’s Conference Center.
The fair is for anyone age 65 and older who does not have a primary care provider.
The wellness fair will feature a large variety of screening and educational booths, help connecting with financial assistance programs, help choosing a primary care provider and much more, notes organizer Shellie Stevens, a registered nurse and medical practice office manager at Gifford.
“We are excited about reaching out to our community members and connecting them with our talented primary care providers,” Stevens says.
Booths will include a host of Gifford staff providing information about a broad range of health conditions, including a nurse taking blood pressure and sharing information on heart health, a diabetes educator, a registered dietitian, a physical therapist discussing balance and fall prevention, and the hospital’s breast health coordinator.
Barring any emergencies, the medical center’s pain management specialist, a gynecologist, a urology expert and a pharmacist will also all be on hand to discuss topics like living with chronic pain, menopause and osteoporosis, incontinence and prostate health, and medication organization and interactions.
Semi-private one-on-one discussions regarding available financial assistance programs and help signing up will be offered. Advance Directive forms will be available for anyone needing to outline their health care wishes should they become unable to speak for themselves. And skin checks will be offered.
Other area health-related businesses will be joining the fair, namely Curves and Kinney Drugs. Cabot Creamery is generously donating some cheese for the event and door prizes will be given out.
Gifford is part of the state’s non-profit health system. With adult care providers at health centers in Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, Rochester and Sharon, the hospital is committed to reaching Vermonters with needed primary care services where they live and work.
“This health fair is an opportunity for Gifford to reach out to people 65 and older in our community who may be without a primary care home,” explains Teresa Voci, vice president of the Medicine Division at Gifford. “It’s our goal to help folks achieve good health – where they’re comfortable receiving care, develop a long-lasting relationship with their health care provider and work as a team to care for the entire person, not just treat the disease.”
No registration is necessary for the fair. For more information, call (802) 728-2284.