Stockton, Ca- VNCARES, a committee organized by the University of the Pacific`s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy is getting ready to host the 5th Annual on March 4th, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Stockton.
Pacific Family Health Fair 2011
The Health Fair is organized by the VNCARES Committee in collaboration with the University of the Pacific and over 30 local health organizations to provide free health services to the underserved community.
“As pharmacy students, we strive to apply our knowledge by reaching out to the community,” said Peter Lai, pharmacy student and representative of VNCARES. “These health fairs are a great opportunity for us to practice providing our services and helping people in need.”
Blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, bone mineral density, immunizations, scoliosis, eye, and ear screenings are some of the free services provided at the fair.
Pacific Family Health Fair 2011
In total it can cost over $250 for all of the screenings.
A lot of these screenings can indicate the prevalence of diseases called “silent killers”, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes. High blood pressure can lead to stroke and heart failure, while diabetes can cause a whole host of complications like kidney failure and blindness, says Lai.
“There are no symptoms for these diseases until it are too late, so catching them earlier will definitely make an impact on the person’s well being.”
In previous years, more than 500 individuals attended the fair. There will also be various education booths as well as activities for children and translators to help the public.
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