Community fair focuses spotlight on health, fitness

We marked a big milestone in the Metz household this past weekend as my stepson, Evan, celebrated his 16th birthday. Evan chose to celebrate by having friends over for a day-on-the-lake party. As Jeff and I spent the afternoon watching this group of teenage boys swim and inner-tube with seemingly endless energy, I was reminded once again of how important good health is to our overall well-being.

Bonner General Hospital is committed to the health of our community. As part of that commitment, we are proud to join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and many other local sponsors in hosting the first-ever Community Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

This event promises to be both fun and informative, with something for the entire family. Just a few of the services we’ll be offering free of charge include blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, osteoporosis risk assessment screening, hypertension education, diabetes education, nutritional counseling, grip strength and balance testing. We’ll also be providing living wills and healthcare powers of attorney forms, and will have a counselor on hand to answer questions. If you don’t already have these important medical directives in place, you’ll want to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity.

In addition to complimentary services, our emergency department will be highlighting the importance of sports safety by offering low-cost bicycle and ski helmets and information. Be sure to stop by and make sure your kids are safe when skiing or riding.

Have you ever wondered what happens in an operating room? Or what X-rays look like up close? Now’s your chance to find out! We’re going to de-mystify the hospital experience with a behind-the-scenes look. Be sure to check out our mock operating room for a close-up view of a few of the instruments used in a surgical procedure. And don’t miss our radiology department’s demonstration of how an ultrasound machine works or the display of X-ray images that illustrate what radiologists see when they interpret imaging films.

Whether your interest is in one of these areas or in home health, hospice, lab, pharmacy, occupational medicine, family-centered maternity care, or job or volunteer opportunities, we’ll have information available about virtually every aspect of our services and how you can get involved with our mission.  

Bonner General Hospital is committed to the good health of our community, and we’re looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 6th to learn more about the healthcare services available for you and your family right here at home!

n Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.