BOH to host 25th annual Health Fair Oct. 6
By Canton CitizenThe Canton Board of Health will host its 25th annual Health Fair on Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Canton High School. As this is also the beginning of the flu season, residents will conveniently be able to receive their annual flu shot while at the Health Fair.
The fair will feature numerous health exhibits, including screening for diabetes, cholesterol levels, vision, hearing, and blood pressure, as well as body fat analysis. Attendees will also have the opportunity to chat with various health care providers and local health product vendors, public health officials and professionals, other governmental representatives, and social service organizations. Educational materials will be available to assist people in understanding the most pertinent health issues faced by our community today.
Town departments will be conducting their own special events as in the past. The Police Department will manage its popular collection program for expired or unwanted medications. Simply bring any unwanted or expired medications to the Police Department’s booth, and officers will dispose of the medicines at no cost to residents. The Canton Fire Department and animal control officer will also be present to discuss their roles and services as protectors of public health and safety.
Under new laws passed by the state legislature, individuals must now properly dispose of their used sharps and needles. To assist in this effort, the Board of Health will be selling sharps containers for $10 each, which includes the cost of disposal when they are filled and returned to the Board of Health office.
As in past years, the Board of Health will conduct its annual flu vaccine program. Due to the continued success of this program, the board has been able to purchase additional flu vaccine with the proceeds of insurance and Medicaid payments from previous years. As a result, it is anticipated that there will be enough flu vaccine for any Canton resident who wants it from the age of 4 and up. Moreover, Flu Mist nasal spray vaccine will be available to most children ages 4 to 18.
Accordingly, although the flu vaccinations will be distributed free of charge, please bring your Medicaid card or health insurance card if you have one so that the Board of Health may continue to afford this valuable program. Whether you are insured or not, you still can receive a free flu shot at the Health Fair. Bear in mind that flu shots obtained elsewhere will not contribute to your town’s free flu vaccination program nor directly benefit your community. So remember to bring your Medicare or health insurance cards to the Health Fair.
After 25 years of success, the Canton Health Fair is alive and well and ready for you to stop by to learn ways to preserve your health, prevent disease, get vaccinated against this year’s strain of influenza, and enjoy yourself. There’s sure to be something there for everyone.
As has been the practice in the past, there will be no early admissions. For more information on the 25th annual Health Fair, contact the Board of Health at 781-821-5021.
Submitted by John L. Ciccotelli, RS, CHO
Director of Public Health
Canton Board of Health
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=16333
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Sep 27 2012. Filed under Uncategorized.
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