Phyllis Ketring
SaddleBrooke Health Fair is October 18
The annual SaddleBrooke Health Fair is the largest exhibition of health-related services in our community. It also offers residents a convenient venue for routine medical tasks such as immunizations and screenings. The fair will be held at the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
New this year
Hepatitis C screenings
High dose and quadrivalent flu shots
Tetanus immunizations
Behavioral health representatives from Oro Valley Hospital
Psychologist with information on depression, emotional and mental issues
Recycle eyeglasses and dispose of medications
You can begin your day at the fair by recycling old eyeglasses and disposing of expired medications. Please do not bring containers, liquids or needles.
Flu, pneumonia, shingles and tetanus shots
In addition to the traditional flu shot, both Walgreens and HealthWaves will offer a high dose shot. HealthWaves will also bring the quadrivalent vaccine and have tetanus immunizations. Call HealthWaves at 480-968-1886 to schedule the tetanus shots.
Arrangements for the shingles vaccine must also be made in advance. You may call HealthWaves at 480-968-1886 or Walgreens at 520-339-2985. Many Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine.
University of Arizona Medical Center
The University of Arizona’s Hearing, Speech and Language Center will be at the fair for the first time to conduct free hearing screenings. Their speech therapists can offer helpful hints in stroke recovery. The U of A’s Liver Research Institute will do free screenings for Hepatitis C. Their Pharmacy Department returns with free screenings for cholesterol, blood sugar and information on medication interactions.
Free screening for skin cancer
Sheftel Dermatology, underwriter of the Health Fair, will be back with valuable free screenings for skin cancer: always a high risk in the harsh desert sun.
Schedule diagnostic lab and allergy testing
HealthWaves conducts lab tests at a reasonable price without a prescription. SaddleBrooke residents will receive detailed information on these paid lab tests by email right before the fair. Information about the lab tests will also be posted at sbseniors.org.
Medical specialties at the fair include acupuncture, aging, alcoholism, assisted living, audiology, Bowen Therapy, cancer/oncology, cardiology, chiropractic, cosmetic surgery, dental, dermatology, fitness, gastroenterology, home health care, hospice, hypertension, long-term care, massage, medical equipment, nutrition, orthopedic, pain management, Parkinson’s, physical therapy, radiology, senior services, urology and vision.
Giveaways Galore
Walgreens is giving tote bags to the first 1500 people at the fair. While giveaways are certainly not the most important reason to attend, they are a motivating reward. You may collect bags, candy, notepads, pens and pencils all compliments of the exhibitors.
Lunch at the Roadrunner Grill
Two luxury mini-coaches will shuttle fairgoers from MountainView to the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse. The shuttles will continue after the fair closes so that attendees can enjoy lunch at the Roadrunner Grill.
Volunteers, vendors, people on golf carts and anyone with handicap access can park at SaddleBrooke One. Others are asked to park at MountainView and use the shuttle.
You may learn more about the Health Fair and other senior resources at sbseniors.org. It’s a well organized website designed to be a simple one stop site for the many resources available in our area.