BOH to host 29th annual Health Fair this Saturday

This coming Saturday, October 22, the Canton Board of Health will host its annual Health Fair, a popular fall tradition in the town dating back nearly 30 years. The Health Fair, which is free and open to all residents, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Canton High School.

This year marks the 29th installment of the fair and it will once again feature numerous health exhibits, including screenings for cholesterol levels, hearing, vision, and blood pressure. Attendees will be able to speak to health care providers and health product suppliers, health professionals, public health and other governmental officials, as well as social service organizations that will be available to discuss their programs and services.

A number of town departments will be providing their own informational displays, and the Police Department will manage its popular medication collection program. Citizens can dispose of any unwanted or expired medications free of charge at the Police Department’s booth, and officers will ensure that the medicines are properly disposed of, 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 that residents can use to dispose of needles and other sharps (e.g. “lancets”). The containers will be sold 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 Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) tables for people who are interested in volunteering or learning more about either of these important emergency response groups.

Since the annual flu season has once again arrived, residents will be able to receive their annual flu vaccination while at the Health Fair. However, this year the nasal spray will not be available due to a lack of supply nationwide. It is anticipated that there will be enough flu vaccine shots for any Canton resident over the age of 6 who requests one.

The flu vaccine is made available partly through distributions from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, but mostly through purchases from the Board of Health’s revolving fund. 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 29 years of success, the annual Canton Health Fair remains a reliable health resource for educating the public about present-day health issues and disease prevention, and other health-related services. As always, there will be something at the fair for everyone.

Consistent with past practice, there will be no early admissions. For more information on the 29th annual Health Fair, contact the Canton Board of Health at 781-821-5021.

Submitted by John L. Ciccotelli, RS, CHO, Director of Public Health

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 21 2016. Filed under Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.