The Pondera Medical Center announced on Monday that their 2006 Health fair will be held on Sept. 12, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will take place in a new location this year, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 416 S. Kansas.

Their ever-popular  comprehensive Lab Panel  will be available for the incredibly low price of $40. The men’s PSA lab test will be priced at $40. Fasting is not required, unless you have specific instructions from your health care provider.

However, to obtain the best results, fasting is recommended.

Moderate intake of water, decaf-beverages, low fat and low sugar foods is allowable prior to testing.

If you are unable to attend the Health Fair, the Lab Panel will also be available at the PMC lab att the same discount rate from Aug. 30 to Sept 15.

The PMC medical staff will do a series of educational sessions, allowing time for questions and answers.

Following is a tentative schedule 11 a.m., Allergies and Asthma by Dr. Jennifer Dodge; 11:30 a.m., Cold versus Flu by Dr. Jay Taylor; 12 noon Colon Cancer by Dr. Shawn Nesbo, and 12:30 p.m., Human Papillomavirus Vaccination, Dr. Peter Barran.

Additional attractions at the Health Fair will be bone density testing provided  by Benefis Healthcare Spirit of Women ($10 per test).

PMC’s Home Health Department will do free blood sugar testing, blood pressure checks and pulse oximetry testing.

The PMC Wellness Center staff will do body fat testing, the Occupational Therapy Department will offer grip strength testing, and Physical Therapy Department of the PMC will conduct balance testing.

Dr. John Taylor, Optometrist, will perform glaucoma testing.

The hospitals Extended Care Unit will have information regarding the may services provided at the nursing home, as well as information regarding Advance Directives.

Other PMC attractions include Childbirth Education, a CPR and general safety booth, as well as the current job openings at the hospital.

The  Pondera County Health Department will offer education on the Montana Breast and Cervical Cancer program, The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, Safe Kids-Safe Communities, and Breast-feeding Education.

Other participating booths will include information from the North Central Area on Aging, the Hi-Line Help for Abused Spouses, and Montana Ombudsman Program.

Benefis Healthcare will be onsite to promote several of their programs including the Sletten Cancer Institute, Peace Hospice of Montana, Monarch Therapies, the Heart Institute, and their Wound Care Department.

Additionally, the Northcentral Montana Healthcare Alliance will be available to give tours of their Mobile Dexavan, which is useful in diagnosing Osteoporosis.

The Kalispell Regional Medical Center will have information pertaining to the International Heart Institute. Montanan Dermasthetics of Great Falls will be present to promote exciting new opportunities in cosmetic medicine.

As always, the Health Fair will have a variety of prizes and delicious finger food for everyone’s enjoyment as you stroll through and visit the many healthcare booths.

Haley Nunberg-Denzer of the Health Fair Planning Committee says, “Plan t join us for an upbeat and informaitnve opportunity to understand more about some of our local healthcare providers.”

For more information, contact Denzer through the PMC at 271-3211.