(4/28/10) – The Pee Dee Region continues to be recognized for its poor health status. The region has the distinction of being the leader in the nation for cardiovascular disease and has been coined the Buckle of the Stroke Belt by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. In addition, South Carolina has the second highest incidence of diabetes in the United States, led only by Mississippi.

Eating healthy, losing weight and improving ones health status is a battle that millions of Americans struggle with everyday. Lifestyle diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes have a significant relationship with overweight and obesity in addition to an inactive lifestyle.

In an effort to battle and conquer these challenging health dilemmas, McLeod Medical Center Dillon will hold its 22nd Annual Health Fair at the McLeod Dillon Professional Building, located at 705 N 8th Avenue, Dillon, on May 15, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bert Sandifer, Darlington, SC, has attended the health fair for years. "At the 2007 event, I had a blood sugar test done that showed my blood sugar level was high. I followed up with my primary care physician and was diagnosed with diabetes. I was 37 years old, and I am grateful that I was diagnosed early due to the health fair screening. I have now made many lifestyle changes and have learned to manage and control my diabetes. To date, I’ve lost over 50 pounds and just feel better in general."

McLeod Dillon employees and physicians will offer low-cost and no-cost health screenings and services for participants, including the following: Complete Blood Count/Chemistry Profile/Thyroid Test $21 Lipid Profile $16 Mammogram $50 Pap Smear $32 Prostate Cancer Screening $13 (Blood Test recommended for males over 50) EKG $10 Pulse Oximetry Body Mass Index Blood Pressure and Stroke Screening Clinical Breast Exams Diabetes Screening Height and Weight Skin Screenings Nutrition and Health Information And Much More

Local physicians will be at the event to answer questions, offer screenings, discuss screening results and provide health information to both adults and children.

Anyone having blood work performed should not eat twelve hours prior to coming to the Health Fair.

Due to the modified format of this year’s health fair, area vendors will not be participating.

To reduce waiting times and lines on the day of the Health Fair, pre-registration is encouraged. Pre-registration will be held Monday, May 3 through Friday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the main hospital lobby.

For more information on the McLeod Dillon 22nd Annual Health Fair, please call 843-777-2005 or 1-800-667-2005.