Health screenings set for March  

St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese will again offer health screenings from 6 to 10 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at the Breese Knights of Columbus; Wednesday, March 17, at Germantown American Legion; Tuesday, March 23, at Carlyle Knights of Columbus; and Tuesday, March 30, at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Trenton.

Highlighting each will be a Comprehensive Blood Screening (10- to 12-hour fast recommended) and a men’s Prostate Specific Antigen screening (no fasting required).

The CBS, at $40, screens for anemia, infection and diabetes, checks cholesterol levels, thyroid, liver and kidney function. The men’s PSA is $15.

For those with or at-risk for diabetes, a Hemoglobin A1c may be added to the CBS panel for an additional $10. This test indicates if treatment measures are working.

Colorectal screening kits will be available in packets of three, as recommended by the manufacturer and cancer research organizations, for $5 per packet.

Heel bone density screenings to identify osteoporosis risks, pulmonary function to measure lung capacity and blood oxygen levels and body composition to calculate the percentage of body fat will be available at $5 per screening. Free blood pressure checks and diabetes finger sticks will also be provided.

Those attending can drop off eyeglasses for the Lions and wigs, hats, scarves and other head coverings for the hospital’s patient-in-need program, and pick up a free gift, information and refreshments. The hospital Auxiliary will have quilt raffle tickets for sale.

Pre-registration is recommended and forms are available at the hospital Information Center, Outpatient Registration and HealthPlex; physician offices; Super Valu stores; libraries; and Centrue, First National and Germantown Trust & Savings banking facilities. Forms have been or will be published in area newspapers and be available at www.stjoebreese.com.

Completed forms may be dropped off at the hospital, faxed to 526-1404 or mailed to Health Fair Screenings, St. Joseph’s Hospital, PO Box 99, Breese, IL 62230, prior to the fair attending. Information may also be e-mailed to Karyn Whitlatch.

Turning in a completed pre-registration form in advance of the fair attending gives the hospital a chance to get your paperwork ready. For those not pre-registered, a three-part form will be completed the day of the fair.

Tests are for screening purposes and not meant to diagnose or treat diseases. Results are mailed to the address provided and participants are responsible for following up with their healthcare provider.

For more information, contact 526-5439 or e-mail Karyn Whitlatch.