Kidney tests part of annual Health Fair

Kidney health is a special focus of this spring's Hancock County Health Fair.

The Kidney Mobile comes from the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. The walk-through unit will have displays and educational information for all who attend the health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the University of Illinois Extension Center. In addition, free kidney screenings are offered.

“People with diabetes are especially encouraged to have a regular kidney screening,” said Stephanie Willey, R.N. of the Hancock County Health Department.

“This is something all diabetics should be screened for each year. Diabetes affects the kidneys, and damage can happen very quickly,” Willey said. Their goal is to screen 75 to 100 people with a series of tests that indicate problems with kidney function.

The entire screening takes about half an hour, and is done at the extension center. Tests include a body mass index (BMI), urine test, blood sugar test and blood pressure screening. With the help of a diabetes grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health and additional funding from the Hancock County Volunteers for Diabetes, 50 to 60 of the kidney screenings will also include blood tests to check other indicators of kidney problems.

“The kidney mobile people with talk with each person about what they have found from the tests and what to expect from the blood test. They won't get blood draw results for two to three days,” Willey said.

Anyone interested in having a kidney screening at the health fair should make an appointment by calling the Hancock County Health Department, 217/357-2171. Appointments are also needed for the blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, which are only given from 10 a.m. to noon. These require 12-hour fasting for best results. No alcohol should be con-sumed 72 hours before the test.

Other screenings at the health fair are for oral cancer by the Hancock County Dental Center; chiropractic screening by Dr. Ben Morgan; carbon monoxide tests by K.A.M.E.; dexterity by Advance Physical Therapy; pulse oxygen level by Sherrick's Drug and Medical; lung capacity by Memorial Hospital cardiopulmonary department; alcohol abuse by Mental Health Center; geriatric depression by Evergreen Center; blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol by health department; and Dermascan which shows sun damage to the face.

Other topics of information at the fair include organ donation, Absolute Fitness's Total Solutions Program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the U of Illi. Extension.

Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks and bottled water will be available.

The Hancock County Health Fair is planned by the Hancock County Family Coalition, a group of agencies including the health department, Mental Health Centers of Western Illinois, Memorial Hospital, the U of Ill. Extension Center, and RSVP.