Check your local newspaper, hospital, or medical clinic to find a free health screening near you.

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Health fairs, also known as health screenings or wellness screenings, are free community events conducted by local hospitals or clinics that give you free access to excellent diagnostic tests. They typically include tests for blood sugar, blood cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure and can provide an early warning for diabetes, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems.

Blood sugar

The blood glucose test requires a small drop of blood and provides a result in a few seconds. The test measures the concentration of sugar in the bloodstream. A high level can be an indication of insulin resistance or diabetes. According to the National Library of Medicine, blood glucose above 130 while fasting or above 180 two hours after a meal is considered to be abnormal.[1] Fortunately, insulin sensitivity can be restored by up to 26% in type II diabetes with only weight loss and exercise.[2,3,4] (Learn more about managing diabetes with diet here and find all of the diabetes articles here.)

Cholesterol

Blood cholesterol tests also require only a small drop of blood and provide an immediate result. Some machines can measure levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The following are considered to be normal values. Anything higher indicates borderline or high cholesterol:

• Total cholesterol: 200 [5]
• Triglycerides: 150 – 200
• LDL: 100 – 150

HDL is known as good cholesterol and should be at a concentration of above 45. However, elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL can lead to arterial plaques, heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.[6] Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can improve these cardiovascular risk factors.[7,8]

Body mass index

Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation of weight in proportion to height. It is typically measured by a small handheld device that measures tissue density using an unnoticeable electric current. According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, BMI results are categorized as follows:

Underweight:  below 18.5

Normal: 18.5 – 24.9

Overweight: 25 – 29.9

Obese: 30 and above

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is typically measured with a pressure cuff. Under 120/80 is considered to be normal and anything above 140/90 is classified as high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is a leading cause of stroke and heart attack, but responds well to a variety of natural and lifestyle interventions. Explore these strategies the blood pressure section of the NHA website.

How to find a health fair

Check your local newspaper, hospital, or medical clinic to find a free health screening near you. The process takes only a short amount of time and provides you with immediate results. Most importantly, it gives you the ability to monitor you own health and to use methods that you trust to be safe and effective.

Share your experience

Has a health fair alerted you to any potentially dangerous problems? How did you find out about the event? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

—Jeff Riddle

[1] National Library of Medicine

[2] Diabetes Obes Metab. 2008 Dec;10(12):1186-94.

[3] Am J Prev Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 Oct 1.

[4] Diabetologia. 2011 Oct; 54(10): 2506–2514.

[5] Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition.

[6] Informed Health Online [Internet].

[7] Ann Intern Med. 2006 Jul 4;145(1):1-11.

[8] Clin Interv Aging. 2007 Mar; 2(1): 109–115.