This article is from page 5 of the 2006-10-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 5 JPG
UP TO 180 Clare people might not be alive today had it not been for the success of last year’s Annual Healthy Living Expo at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Ennis.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s expo Stephen McMahon, Chairman of the Irish Patients Association said the unique event had diagnosed people early and saved lives.
Last year 45 per cent of the people who availed of the free screening had not been to their GP in three years, and the majority of these people were non-medical cardholders.
Two of the people screened were referred to the Accident and Emergency Department immediately for treatment. A further 12 per cent were found to have high blood pressure; another 12 per cent had cholesterol over 6.5, while another 12 per cent had high blood sugar. Half of the people examined were found to be over weight.
Twice as many women as men attended last year so this year, organisers are actively encouraging men in the community to avail of this opportunity to have their heart health checked.
Almost 100 staff, including hospital consultants will volunteer from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, to check peoples’ cholesterol levels, blood pressure, lipids and glucose levels, body mass index, and to carry out eye tests. Those availing of the free service will then get the results of the blood tests within an hour, and will be informed of any difficulties in private. A follow up report will also be sent to their GP where necessary. Healthy living information and children’s entertainment will also be provided.
As well as the free health check, the staff at the hospital will also give a hand hygiene demonstration.
“Staff in the hospital are well aware now of hospital hygiene. The public in general have an awareness of it, but everyone minds a sick relative at some stage during the year or someone in the house is sick. They are never aware of how they should be washing their hands or what the precautions are,” said hospital manager John Doyle.
Mr Doyle said the expo, in its fifth year was a way of linking the hospital back into the county.
“We see ourselves having a role in the whole preventative exercise not just somewhere to go when you’re sick,” he added.