Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Health-A-Rama scheduled for Sept. 18

Anyone interested in getting free medical screenings and advice should mark their calendars for Saturday, Sept. 18.

This is the date for the annual Health-A-Rama at the First Baptist Church gymnasium.

Some new things have been added this year. One of the new additions has nothing to do with health screenings -- the Picayune Toy Drive. A booth will be at the gym so people can drop off new toys, or used toys if they are in good shape.

The Nevada County Picayune began the toy drive three years ago after the Department of Human Services decided to quit doing the Angel Tree. In the previous two years, more than 300 county children have received toys from the drive to make their Christmas a little brighter than it may have otherwise been.

Another new item at the Health-A-Rama this year will be Dr. Jim Mark Ingram, with the Little Rock Allergy and Asthma Clinic. He will be on hand to do asthma education for those interested.

According to Edie Greenwood, one of the planners, the Red Cross will be on hand from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. doing a blood drive.

In addition, the Nevada County Rescue Unit will be demonstrating the Jaws of Life at 10 o'clock. This is one of the most popular events at the Health-A-Rama as the NCRU members slice through a "wrecked" car to "rescue" trapped victims.

The Prescott Lion's Club will be on hand with a concession stand, and will also be collecting old eyeglasses to be recycled and given to the needy.

Glaucoma screenings will be done again this year by Dr. Lewis Pearson and Dr. Audie Teague. This, too, is a popular event at the Health-A-Rama, and it's best to arrive early to be seen soonest.

Other returning favorites include blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, along with blood pressure checks, and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSALMS) blood test, along with cataract screening.

While many may not care for it, the body fat analysis is not only popular but important in letting people know what percent of their body is just fat.

Representatives from the Arkansas Poison Control Center will be on hand, as will people from the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA), Domestic Violence Prevention and Sexual Abuse Services, the Nevada County Cancer Association, Finally Free of Tobacco, Our Children First Coalition, the McRae Middle School Art Club, University of Arkansas Medical Services nursing students, and University of Arkansas Community College at Hope respiratory therapy.

However, the Health-A-Rama is not just about getting health screenings, though patrons can get more than $200 worth of free medical help. There will also be some fun and games, along with door prizes. There will be Bingo, face painting and balloon art for the younger visitors.

Additionally, parents can help ease their minds by getting their children fingerprinted and have identification made for them.

There will be plenty of other educational booths on hand at the Health-A-Rama. The hours for the event are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. It is sponsored by the Prescott-Nevada County Health Alliance.