(2/17/11) – 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 23rd Annual Health and Kids Fair at the City of Dillon Wellness Center, located at 1647 Commerce Drive, Dillon, on March 19, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bert Sandifer, Darlington, SC, has attended the health fair for years. "At the 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, have control of my diabetes and just feel better in general."

Thanks to funding from the McLeod Health Foundation, 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

The Health and Kids Fair is an event for the entire family. Health screenings, nutritional information, games and entertainment will be offered. In addition, fire trucks and ambulances will be on site for tours. Parental attendance and supervision is required for the safety of all children.

Local physicians will be at the event to answer questions, offer screenings, discuss screening results and provide health information to both adults and children. Area vendors will also participate offering health care information as well as information on the newest services, products and resources available in the region. Throughout the event, door prizes will be given and drawings held.

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

To reduce waiting times and lines on the day of the Health Fair, pre-registration is encouraged. Pre-registration will be held Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the main hospital lobby.

For more information on the McLeod Dillon 23rd Annual Health and Kids Fair, please call 843-777-2005 or 1-800-667-2005.