Tuesday, 02 October 2007 09:20

Sutter Amador Hospital Health Festival

Mark your calendar for a one-stop health services opportunity -- This year’s Sutter Amador Hospital’s annual Health Festival on Friday, October 12, 2007 from 4 – 7 pm. The hospital is partnering with Amador County Public Health, and the festival will focus on free and low cost services and screenings, plus fun and healthy activities -- all held in the parking lot of the hospital’s new Outpatient Services Center. The event will also serve as the Amador County Public Health Department’s fall flu vaccine kick-off by administering flu shots and nasal mist immunizations as well as pneumonia and tetanus boosters. “We highly encourage community members to get a flu shot every year,” says Lori Jagoda, Public Health Nurse for the Amador County Public Health Department. “It is the best way to prevent getting the flu during flu season.”

FluMist nasal vaccine – healthy people ages 5 through 49 years of age

Flu shots – person 50 years and older as well as any age with a high risk condition

Tetanus boosters – persons 7 years and older

Pneumonia shots – person 65 years and older only

Flu vaccines and tetanus will be available on a first come, first served basis for a $10 donation. Medicare billing for flu and pneumonia will be available as well. A variety of hospital departments will be providing free screenings and information including free blood glucose tests. “While the best time to take this test is after fasting for eight to ten hours, this test can still be helpful in providing a base from which to determine whether further testing is warranted,” says Kim Vagt, Director of the Diabetes Education Program and Nutrition for SAH.  Respiratory Therapy will offer Pulmonary Function Tests and a sleep disorder quiz.  Physical Rehabilitation will provide paraffin therapy for hands, grip testing, tips on stretching and fall prevention and 10-minute neck and shoulder massages. Free oral exams for children up to age 18 will be available through the Smile Keepers Program.

The hospital’s Foundation Board is hosting the Walking Path Challenge on the newly configured walking path that surrounds the hospital campus. Meanwhile, Safe Kids will be holding a Car Seat Check and Safety Fair where parents can have their car seats inspected to ensure they are properly installed and are the correct size for their child. Kids can participate in the bicycle rodeo and, for those who need them, bicycle helmets will be available. The Safety Fair will also feature several law enforcement and fire protection agencies such as the Amador Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, California Highway Patrol, American Legion Ambulance and many others. They will be available to answer questions children and adults may have and will also have a variety of emergency vehicles on display. And HRC Child Care Resources will have a kiddy corral with games and activities for little ones.