Take some time to spring clean your health

Spring is definitely in the air, and summer is just around the corner!  Now is the perfect time to do a little spring cleaning on your health, and several events are happening at the hospital next week that can help you do just that!

On Tuesday, June 9, from 3-5 p.m., Kootenai Cancer Center at Bonner General Hospital will be offering free skin cancer screenings. Skin cancer is one of the most curable diseases if detected early, so take this opportunity to have any suspicious spots examined. North Idaho Cancer Center Coalition will also be available with educational information. Registration is required and early registration is recommended. Call 265-5069 to reserve your spot. The screenings are free.

On Wednesday, June 10, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., the hospital will offer an education class on pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. If left unchecked, pre-diabetes can develop into full-blown Type 2 diabetes. The good news, though, is that pre-diabetes is a condition that can be treated and possibly reversed if properly managed. You may be at risk if you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or are not physically active. If you’re at risk or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, join us to learn more about how to manage this condition. Call 265-1116 to register. Cost is $20.

On Friday, June 12, from noon-2 p.m., Bonner General Hospital will serve as the host site for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance “Help Is Here Express!” tour bus. This bus is making a stop in Sandpoint as part of a nationwide tour providing information about prescription drug coverage programs. If you are uninsured and need help getting the medication your physician prescribes, visit the big orange bus and talk with PPA’s counselors to determine if you qualify for free or discounted prescription drug programs. The service is free. For more information, call (888) 779-2527.

As is usual in Sandpoint, the summer weather brings lots of activities. Get your summer off to the right start by taking care of your health!  For more information about upcoming events at the hospital, visit our Web site at www.BonnerGeneral.org.

n Lynda Metz is the director of Community Development at Bonner General Hospital.