Sidney Health Center and the Richland County Health Department are co-sponsoring and coordinating the eleventh annual Community Health Fair in April. The two entities are once again joining forces with local organizations to promote various health-related topics and feature screenings to the general public.   

This year’s Community Health Fair is slated for April 21 at the Richland County Fair Event Center located at the fairgrounds in Sidney. The event will kick-off Tuesday afternoon at 1:00PM and go into the evening until 7:00PM. Coordinators of the event are anticipating a little something for everyone again this year. The health fair will feature various screenings, demonstrations, and nearly 50 community booths on various health topics. 

Screenings are quick assessments or tests that help identify individuals who may be at risk for disease or health complications. A few of the screenings available are the non-fasting blood draws, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, hearing screenings as well as vertical jump and grip strength. 

The Sidney Health Center lab will offer non-fasting blood draw tests for thyroid function and Vitamin D. The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests are available for $20 and the Vitamin D tests are $45. In addition, Dr. Melody Keller, who specializes in naturopathic and functional medicine, will be offering VitaminB12 shots in her booth for a fee. 

New to the health fair this year is the Dickinson State University Discovery Dome. The dome will feature a movie entitled, “The Body Code.” DSU students will be on-site to facilitate the presentations for the general public starting at 3:00PM. The movie is geared for fifth grade students through adult.  

Demonstrations and educational presentations throughout the event will highlight various health topics including fitness activities, nutrition, community projects and complimentary medicines. 

Tuesday, April 21

• 1:30 PM – “Sit and Be Fit” by Kathy Jensen, Director of The Lodge
• 2:00 PM – “Richland County Community Complex Building Plans” by Lisa Gorder
• 2:30 PM – “Mental Health First Aid” by Richard Evans, Sidney Health Center Chaplain
• 3:00 PM – “What is Naturopathy?” by Dr. Melody Keller
• 3:30 PM – “Gardening Q and A” by Time Fine, MSU Extension Service
• 4:00 PM – “Shrine Hospitals for Children” by Laris Roberts
• 4:30 PM – “The Hype About Gluten-Free” by Richland County Nutrition Coalition
• 5:00 PM – “Risks and Benefits of Essential Oils” by Dr. Melody Keller
• 5:30 PM – “Yoga for Every Body” by Gina Dennis
• 6:00 PM – “Richland County Community Complex Building Plans” by Lisa Gorder
• 6:30 PM – “Zumba” by Jenae Jordan 

Representation from various organizations will be readily available addressing a full range of health-related topics from nutrition advice to sleeping problems as well as chiropractic services to preventative programs to name a few. In addition, Sidney Health Center pharmacy will be partnering with the local law enforcement to provide a “Medication Take Back” service. Health fair attendees are encouraged to bring their expired and unused prescription medications to ensure proper disposal.