Special to The Leader

If you made a New Year’s resolution to be healthier this year, Vidor ISD Community Education has a handful of ways to help you do just that, with information and screenings at the big health fair they will host this Saturday, January 28, at Vidor Middle School on Highway 12. The fair will run from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m and will feature a wide array of booths with information and handouts, door prizes, and a wealth of free screenings.

“We have several entities on hand to offer free tests that anyone can take advantage of,” says fair coordinator Sally Andrews.  “You don’t have to live in Vidor, and the tests are all free.  To begin with, the Lions Club will offer free vision screenings.  We will offer tests for both adults and children. In the children’s test, they must have a parent or guardian present, and the parent will get the results of the test.  For the adults, the screening is free, and there is the possibility of being fitted with free eyeglasses on the spot if they are available from the many donated pairs of glasses.”  She goes on to add that Christus St. Elizabeth will perform cholesterol tests and heart health risk assessments. “I’d suggest fasting for the cholesterol test in order to get an accurate reading,” says Andrews.  “Folks should realize that this is not speed-screening, so they should be prepared to be patient as they wait their turn.  I’d also suggest fasting if you plan to have your blood sugar tested.”  That test is being offered by Vidor Health and Rehab.

In addition, Gulf Coast Chiropractic will offer a free spine screening, and the Triangle Area Network will screen for HIV and hepatitis C, with that screening being done in a private room.   Nurses from Lamar University’s Dishman School of Nursing will be on hand to take blood pressure, and body mass index screenings are also available at the Christus booth.

More than thirty booths will offer a wealth of information, with something for everyone.  Those booths include the aforementioned as well as American Red Cross, Amerigroup, Anytime Fitness, Community Health Choice, Garth House, Girl Scouts, Lamar University Dietetic Interns, Legacy Community Health, MADD, Maximus, MCNA Dental, Orange County LEPC, PAM Rehabilitation Hospital, Rape and Suicide Crisis Center, Narcotics Anonymous, United Healthcare, UTMB, Vidor Police, Vidor ISD Police, YMCA, and Heart of Texas Family Medicine, as well as Fitspiration and TOPS.  Other booths are still being added, so it promises to be a great event.

A kids’ fair will be going on in the gym while the adults visit the health fair. YMCA and Girl Scouts will join Lamar University students, Vidor High School Student Council and History clubs, and other volunteers to provide the kiddies with a great time making crafts, running races, and learning about health in a safe place.

Another important fair feature will be a blood drive, so donors may give the gift of life from 9:00-1:00.

With questions, call 951-8700 or email sandrews@vidorisd.org.