By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

From kids to seniors, Marion County Health Fair will be good for everyone.

“It started as a result of our community health assessment in 2013,” health department administrator Diedre Serene said. “One of the things we found is we needed to get information out about health and wellness services in Marion County. “I think that the health care vendors have got some camaraderie.”

Jessica Gilbert, office manager for Marion County Health Department, said Hillsboro Community Hospital is setting up a Teddy Bear Clinic where kids can learn about things that happen in a doctor’s office, including listen to the heartbeat of a teddy bear patient.

St. Luke Hospital therapy department will have a sensory experience play area for kids to explore.

Kids can also get free bike helmets at the health department booth.

Flu shots and high dose flu shots for seniors will be available through the health department for $37 for regular flu shots and $65 for high dose flu shots. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid insurances are accepted along with cash or check.

Prizes will be given away every half hour beginning at 8:30 a.m. Among the prizes will be storm radios, electric toothbrush, infant car seat, bike helmet, emergency backpacks, pak ‘n play, and therapeutic massages.

An assortment of medical tests will be available during the fair.

Both St. Luke Hospital and Hillsboro Community Hospital will offer an assortment of blood tests. CMP tests evaluate organ function and check for conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. LIPID panel tests measure cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. CBC w/DIFF tests measure the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelet levels, hemoglobin and hematocrit. TSH tests measure thyroid function.

All of those tests are available for $25.

Two additional tests are available for $10 each. HgbA1c tests measure the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2 to 3 months, and PSA tests for men over 40 measure the level of prostate-specific antigen in a man’s blood.

Test results will be mailed to participants in one to two weeks.

Hillsboro Community Hospital will perform carotid artery sonograms at no charge.

“For us it’s really an opportunity to let the people know what we have to offer,” St. Luke Hospital marketing director Roger Schroeder said. “It’s really a good thing for St. Luke Hospital and Hillsboro Community Hospital to offer as well.

Forty health and wellness vendors from around the area will offer services such as blood pressure checks, cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstrations, and posture exams.

People attending the health fair are invited to bring a toy for the Marion County Toy Run.

The health fair will 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 4 at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center, 104 N. Thorp, Marion.

The health fair is a joint effort of the health department, St. Luke Hospital, and Hillsboro Community Hospital.