Community invited to annual Family Health Fair
JAMES P. HAYES New York State Assembly
Saturday morning can be a busy time for families and seniors, especially during the summer months, when so many activities and errands compete for our attention.

Weekly grocery shopping, lawn mowing, shuttling kids to sports and other weekend activities - or maybe just trying to squeeze in a relaxing round of golf, tennis, boating or cycling - these are just some of the activities that might be demanding time on your family's schedule this weekend.

Yet with everything there is to see and do this busy time of year, I'm hoping you will not forget about the value of good health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

That's why I am pleased to invite you and your children or grandchildren to stop by my ninth annual Family Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Parkway.

The Health Fair is co-sponsored each year with Kaleida Health, and more than 80 local health care providers will also participate to offer important information and free services for your good health.

Free, confidential blood screenings are the main attraction at the event, where participants can be tested for glucose (not necessary to fast) and cholesterol levels.

Men can also receive a free PSA screening for prostate cancer. Hearing tests, chiropractic spinal exams, bone density tests and breast cancer information will also be available.

Other items of interest include healthy cooking ideas (and free samples) from Tops Friendly Markets Cooking School.

The "Boo-Boo Bear Clinic" for kids will be offered again this year, as will a fire safety and escape program by the Wendelville Volunteer Fire Company.

The American Red Cross will conduct a blood donation drive, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute will provide a sun damage analysis for skin cancer prevention.

Questions about medications? Members of the University at Buffalo Pharmacy School and the Pharmacists' Association of Western New York will be available to provide answers.

New York State's EPIC program will also have a representative on hand to answer questions about prescription drug coverage for seniors.

A special thanks to the staff at Kaleida Health and the local health care providers who will be present on Saturday and who help make the Family Health Fair the largest event of its kind in Erie County. Thank you also to the staff and volunteers of the Amherst Senior Center who help provide logistical assistance throughout the day.

Please look for the ad in this week's edition of The Amherst Bee that explains in more detail all of the providers and health information that will be available to you at the Health Fair, absolutely free of charge.

Also, there is no need to make a reservation; just pencil in time on your busy Saturday schedule to attend.

I hope to be able to personally greet you at the Health Fair. In the meantime, please feel free to contact my local office at 634-1895 with any questions or concerns.