Health fair provides a valuable opportunity

Tribune Opinion
April 7, 2008

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It's that time of year again. The 9Health Fair, in its 29th year, will have locations in eight sites throughout Weld County this month. The health fair offers residents a chance to receive a number of free health screenings and offers other screenings for a small fee. This event is simply good for the community, and we appreciate the opportunities it provides. With health care costs continuing to rise, one of the most important ways to reduce costs is to diagnose potential problems early. The health fair offers an opportunity to diagnose these problems before they develop into a bigger problem.

This program offers many people -- most of whom wouldn't otherwise take the opportunity -- a chance to get the kind of preventative health care we all need.

The fair, which was initiated by 9News in the late 1970s as part of a national nonprofit effort to make health screenings more available, has put more focus on attracting young people this year than in the past. Preventative medicine is as important for young people as it is for anyone else.

"If you get to know your health conditions early in life," said Angie Devlin, 9Health Fair spokeswoman, "It will make you better prepared for the future."

Young or old, we all should take advantage of this resource. The health fair brings an immense benefit to this community. We are grateful.

9Health Fair schedule

Saturday

» 7 a.m.-noon, Billie Martinez School, 341 14th Ave., Greeley

» 7 a.m.-11 a.m., Thompson Rivers Parks and Recreation District, 100 Centennial Drive, Milliken

April 16

» 7 a.m.-noon, Evans Senior Center, 1100 37th St., Evans

April 19

» 7 a.m.-noon, Aims Community College, 5401 W. 20th St., Greeley

» 7 a.m.-noon, Erie Community Center, 450 Powers St., Erie

» 7 a.m.-noon, Fort Lupton High School, 530 Reynolds, Fort Lupton

April 20

» 7 a.m.-noon, Aims Community College, 5401 20th St., Greeley