CFVH fair offers wealth of health info

A steady flow of community members strolled through Saturday's health fair hosted by Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH). With around 20 vendors present, nearly 100 visitors saw a variety of health representatives as well as an array of local goods and services.

Those who visited the health fair were able to partake in free blood pressure tests and blood sugar checks. Leslie Coates, CFVH registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, said she performed about 15 blood sugar checks.

"All checked out to be good except for about four people," she said. "Everyone who didn't have a good number already knew they had diabetes."

Coates said her goal at the health fair was to help bring education to those who might be at risk for diabetes. "I encourage people to come in and see me if they need help with a lifestyle change and how they can learn more about our diabetes education program."

Visitors also had the convenience of getting their annual flu shot at this year's health fair. Lisa Eberhardt, CFVH Chief Nursing Officer, said she gave out 10 flu shots during the day. "The challenge has been getting people to still get the flu shot," she said of Saturday's numbers. "Getting vaccinated will help people from getting sick and will reduce the numbers in the hospital."

Eberhardt said despite having to compete with the good weather and the pandemic, she thought the turnout for the health fair was good and gave credit to its organizer, Janie Hom.

Elizabeth Riffle with Waterway Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) was at the health fair offering visitors something a little different from health information; her freshly grown produce. Visitors walked away with produce they had purchased including peppers, tomatoes, onions, a variety of gourds and even some freshly baked bread. Riffle said she also signed up three new members for her CSA that will run until the end of October.

Last year's health fair saw around 40 to 50 people attend. Hom said she hoped to see twice as many people attend this year. "It was a decent turnout," she said. "It was definitely better than last year. I think we reached at least 75 people."

Those who attended walked out with a goodie bag that included a gift certificate for a free cholesterol screening at CFVH, a variety of snacks, baked goods from The Foxhole Eatery and McGowan's Grocery and other small giveaways from the vendors.