Union General Hospital’s annual Health Fair enjoyed high attendance on Saturday, with medical services offered either by practices falling under Union General or other health organizations in the community, all working together to keep area residents in tip-top shape.
Admission and most of the tests and examinations were free, although flu shots came out to $30 and the comprehensive bloodwork panel totaled $35.
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Impressively, the no-cost screenings included carotid artery and vein ultrasounds, vision and hearing tests, and electrocardiogram (EKG) readings among many other options. Results are sent through the mail, or, in the case of concerning symptoms, passed along to health care providers.
As a part of Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, Dr. Sarah Wood performed breast exams to screen for cancer. Along with that, she was happy to educate guests and suggest options for their care, including directing those without insurance to ask about the Union County Health Department’s reduced-rate mammograms. After all, early detection is key.
“Clinical breast exams are still really important because 25% to 30% of breast cancers are detected by feeling, by palpation. Mammograms detect over 70%. But especially in our younger patient population when mammograms aren’t really incorporated, that’s why it’s still so important to do,” Wood said, warning that, as one of the most common cancers, one in eight women will receive a diagnosis.
Regarding the Health Department, representatives were there not just to administer flu shots, but to provide information on the kind of services they offer to the community, such as additional immunizations, pediatric dental services, women’s health care, a travel clinic and more.
As another informational booth, S&S Smoothies and Supplements experienced a surge of popularity. According to staffers, their supply of supplement samples ran out within just two hours. Even still, they were able to find folks who were interested in other services, such as carrying healthy snacks and making smoothies on-site, providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy and offering nutritional advice.
“We’re adding a whole bunch of new services this fall,” noted Elizabeth Dyer. “One of our main philosophies is education for a healthier community.”
Dr. Trey Gunter, son of Rep. Stan Gunter, finished his undergrad at the University of Georgia, then attended Ross University for medical school before going to South Carolina for residency. He’s been practicing medicine for eight and a half years, and now, he’s joining Union General Family Medicine.
Although he’s local and very familiar with the area, the Health Fair was a great opportunity for him to get out and continue to establish a rapport. Gunter was there performing skin cancer checks.
“I know I’ve got big shoes to fill with Dr. Breedlove – he was here when I grew up – but I’m excited about (joining Family Medicine),” Gunter said. “(The Health Fair) is great. This is the first one I’ve done. The attendance was impressive, much more than I thought; it was really great.”
Katherine Singleton attended last year’s Health Fair at Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee and decided to come back this year with her sister and brother-in-law to check out the Union County event.
“I really like it. They have a lot of different screenings and things to offer, and it’s affordable if you don’t have insurance,” Singleton said, noting that it was a good way to bring the community together. “The people are super helpful.”
Jim and Dee Ayers also had a positive experience. This was the couple’s first time attending the Health Fair, and they were impressed with the care and expertise of the providers and were pleasantly surprised to find their own primary care physician set up as one of the booths.
“We actually got a lot more than we came for,” said Dee, who was especially thankful that she attended because she received concerning results after a skin check.
For that reason, they highly recommend that anyone in the community take advantage of the free and low-cost services offered by the Health Fair every year – one only stands to benefit.
