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Health Fairs Offer No-cost Preventive Care with Express Service
Pre-registration begins Aug. 14, 2017
Participants, spouses and dependents can get health screenings and flu shots for no out-of-pocket cost at upcoming health fairs in Tacoma, Spokane, Pasco, Bothell and Kent. Fairs will be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, making it easier to keep up with preventive care without taking time off work for doctor's appointments.
The following screenings and tests will be available to eligible adults age 18 and older. The Carpenters Health and Security Plan will pay 100% of the cost.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Complete Blood Count
- Lipid Panel
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Thyroid Screen
- Prostate Screen (PSA)
No-cost flu shots will be available to eligible attendees age 9 and older.
To receive these services at no cost, you must be eligible for benefits from the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington.
Due to high demand, attendees are required to pre-register and select a time slot for their blood draw. This will shorten your wait time. Make your appointment online at: www.coalitionhealthfair.org. Pre-registration closes on the third Thursday prior to each event. Pre-registration is NOT required to receive a flu shot.
Fairs are scheduled in the following cities.
| Tacoma | Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017* 8 a.m. – 12 noon La Quinta 1425 E 27th St. *Registration closes 8/31/17 |
| Spokane | Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017* 8 a.m. – 12 noon The Red Lion at the Park 303 W North River Dr. *Registration closes 9/7/17 |
| Pasco | Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017* 8 a.m. – 12 noon The Red Lion 2525 N 20th Ave. *Registration closes 9/14/17 |
| Bothell | Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017* 8 a.m. – 12 noon IUOE Local 302 Union Hall 18701 120th Ave. NE *Registration closes 9/21/17 |
| Kent | Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017* 8 a.m. – 12 noon IBEW Local 46 Electrician's Hall 19802 62nd Ave. S *Registration closes 10/12/17 |
The power of prevention
A chronic illness is one that persists for a long time, usually three months or more. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.
- About half of all adults—117 million people—had one or more chronic health conditions in 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in four adults had two or more.
- More than 75% of health care spending is on people with chronic conditions. Even more costly is the toll on human life. Seven of the top 10 causes of death in 2014 were chronic diseases. Heart disease and cancer accounted for nearly 46% of all deaths. Many, though not all, deaths from chronic disease can be prevented.
Early detection is one prevention strategy. That's why blood tests and screenings are a no-cost benefit of the Carpenters Health and Security Plan. Measuring and monitoring one's blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and waistline are a simple, effective way to gauge one's risk for chronic conditions. If you're in the danger zone in one or more areas, you are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other illnesses.
Chronic illnesses can also be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the CDC, "...lack of exercise or physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and drinking too much alcohol cause much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases and conditions." The Carpenters Health and Security Plan offers Quit For Life, a tobacco cessation program, at no cost to participants and dependents.
Once diagnosed, a chronic illness should be effectively managed to control symptoms and prevent the onset of other illnesses. As the number of chronic conditions increases, the person's risk for dying prematurely, being hospitalized, and even receiving conflicting advice from health care providers increases.