From allergy testing and weight management to answers to your medical questions, the UT community has a place to go to get free help—with or without insurance.
UT’s College of Nursing is joining forces the Student Health Center and UT Medical Center (UTMC) for HealthBeat 2013, a free health fair for UT students, faculty, staff, retirees, and their families.
HealthBeat 2013 will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on April 3 in the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center Ballroom. Parking is available for a fee in Volunteer Hall across Cumberland Avenue.
A variety of screenings and tests will be provided, and exhibition booths will be set up with representatives from various health care organizations and UT departments. Prize drawings will happen hourly and free reusable bags will be given to the first 300 participants. MEDIC will also be hosting a blood drive starting at 9:00 a.m.
Some of the available information will cover
- Nutrition and weight management
- Diabetes
- Breast health
- Heart health and stroke risk
- General health
Doctors and pharmacists will also be available to answer general medical and medication questions.
Free screenings include
- Carotid artery screening for stroke prevention
- Skin cancer/age progression screening
- Bone density screening
- Body mass index screening
- Vision screening
- Allergy testing (starting at 9:00 a.m.)
- Blood typing
Insurance is not required for any of the screenings or tests. Small fees will apply only to those screenings that require lab work:
- A1C—This test measures blood glucose average for the past three months. $20
- Prostate Specific Antigen screening (men only)—This test measures the amount of PSA released into your blood by the prostate gland. $20
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)—This test serves as a tool to measure thyroid levels in the body and can help diagnose thyroid disease. $20
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel—This test measures protein, potassium, sodium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albuminum, among several other components. $20
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)—This test measures inflammation of the heart and can help assess your risk for heart disease. $20
- Lipid Panel (fasting required except water and black coffee)—This test measures your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, ratio, and glucose. $20
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)—This test measures your red and white blood cell count. $15
- Vitamin D screening—This test measures the level of vitamin D in your body. For accurate results, do not take supplements for forty-eight hours prior to screening. $25
All forms of payment including credit cards, cash and checks are accepted. Checks can be made payable to UTMC. Results will be mailed to the participant within ten business days.
Fasting for eight to ten hours is required for the lipid panel. Water and black coffee are allowed, and drinking plenty of fluids the day before is advised. Prescriptions should be taken as prescribed. Diabetics should consult with their physician before fasting.
Some of the UT departments and programs will have representatives and/or booths at the fair: Center for Physical Activity and Health; Book and Supply Store; Student Health Center; Police Department; Counseling Center; and the Safety, Environment and Education Center.
Other participating organizations include Knox County Health Department, Tennessee Donors Registry, Smart Trips, American Diabetes Association, MEDIC, Mental Health Association and Cooperative Appalachian Marrow Program.
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CONTACT:
Mary Sue Hodges (865-974-7596, mhodges4@utk.edu)
Whitney Heins (865-974-5460, wheins@utk.edu)