ELKVILLE, Ill.— The Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network (HSIDN) Diabetes Today Resource Team (DTRT) partnered with the University of Illinois Extension to provide a Family Health Fair and free health screenings at the Elkville First Baptist Church Mobile Food Market the last part of June. Individuals were able to receive a free health screening to check blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and cholesterol while also learning more about diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other preventable chronic diseases.

Over a dozen local and state agencies and vendors were on-hand to answer questions and share information on obtaining health insurance, finding a healthcare provider, learning more about exercise, healthy eating, tobacco cessation, mental health and more. 

Carolyn Addison, a resident of Elkville and retired nurse, said that this is was wonderful opportunity. Even those that take medication and see a doctor regularly should get screened. Addison stated, “I’m not sure why people are so reluctant to attend. If it’s available and it’s free, take advantage of it. It just might save your life!”

An additional Health Fair is scheduled for Aug. 29 at Attucks Park located at 800 N. Wall St. in Carbondale, Illinois. The health exhibits and free screenings will be available from 10 a.m. to noon and the food fair will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fasting is not required for screenings. The event will be open to the public and University of Illinois Extension staff will also be on hand to provide activity stations and programming for kids to promote healthy food choices and active lifestyles to positively impact the families and communities we serve.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact your local registration office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.

News writer: Heather Willis, 618-357-2126, hdwillis@illinois.edu