Women gain valuable information on health at fair

COLUMBUS - The focus of the event was to promote the importance of women's health.

”On the pyramid of things, women put everybody else ahead of themselves,“ Wal-Mart store manager Marge Trent said. ”We're important, too.“

The annual women's health fair at Wal-Mart offered a variety of informational booths Saturday.

Krista Beiermann, a registered nurse at Columbus Community Hospital and the wellness coordinator for Occupation Health Services, was conducting bone mineral density screenings. Other hospital representatives were administering blood pressure checks and cholesterol assessments.

”We've had a really good flow,“ Beiermann said. ”A lot of questions have been asked.“

She said women and men over the age of 50 should consider getting a bone density test as should people with a family history of osteoporosis.

Steps that can optimize bone health are eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, performing weight-bearing exercises, living a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake, talking to a healthcare professional about bone health, having a bone density test and taking osteoporosis medication when appropriate.

CCH Assistant Director of Radiology Denise Tomek, who was also at the health fair, said she was administering a breast cancer risk assessment on interested people. The seven-question test estimated an individual's five-year as well as life-time risk for breast cancer. The free test is also available at Tomek's office at the hospital.

Charlene Vetick was manning the Center for Survivors booth. Vetick, who volunteers at the facility, was distributing pamphlets about domestic abuse and sexual assault. She was also promoting the center's chili feed that takes place from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 22 at First United Methodist Church.

Jen Thege, a Columbus Family YMCA volunteer, was promoting the many offerings of the Columbus Family YMCA as well as the organization's cookbook, ”YMCA Favorites,“ which will be available Oct. 24. To purchase one of the cookbooks, stop at the YMCA, 2200 28th Ave.