BOH to host 27th annual Health Fair October 18
By GuestThe Canton Board of Health will host its 27th annual Health Fair on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Canton High School.
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 speak with various health care providers and local health product vendors, public health officials and professionals, other governmental representatives, and social service organizations.
Town departments will be conducting their own special events as well. 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, no questions asked. 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.
Additionally, 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. Individuals from the Board of Health and Fire Department will also staff the Canton Medical Reserve Corps and newly formed Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) table for people who are interested in volunteering or learning more about either of these emergency response teams.
As in past years, the Board of Health will conduct its annual flu vaccine program at the Health Fair. Moreover, “FluMist” nasal spray will be available for most children ages 6-18, and high dose quadravalent flu vaccine will be available for seniors. The vaccination program is made possible through distributions from the state Department of Public Health and through purchases from the Board of Health’s revolving fund. It is anticipated that there will be sufficient flu vaccine for any Canton resident over age 6 that wants it.
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. There is no co-pay. Bear in mind that flu shots obtained elsewhere will not contribute to Canton’s free flu vaccination program nor directly benefit the community.
After 27 years of success, the Canton Health Fair continues to be a community resource for educating the public about contemporary health issues and preventing disease, obtaining vaccinations against this year’s strains of influenza, and other health-related services. As always, there will be something there for everyone.
As has been the practice in the past, there will be no early admissions. For more information on the 27th annual Health Fair, contact the Board of Health at 781-821-5021.
Submitted by John L. Ciccotelli, RS, CHO, Director of Public Health
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=27149
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