Des Moines University’s annual Senior Health Fair is a day packed with health screenings, vendor information; give away items, demonstrations, food, and more! Whether you’re looking to improve your health, extend your life, or plan for the future, the Senior Health Fair is the place to be! Best of all, this is a free event, open to everyone age 50 and older! This year the event will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon on the Des Moines University campus in the Student Education Center at 3300 Grand Avenue. There is plenty of parking and golf cart valets are available for those that may need assistance into the building.
The Senior Health Fair is not only a great experience for our students, it’s also a way for DMU to reach out and provide essential screening exams and information to all seniors, regardless of budget. Highlights of the day will include: influenza and pneumonia vaccinations by the Polk County Health Department, cholesterol/glucose screenings by the DMU clinic, Osteopathic Manual Medicine demonstrations from the OMM department, foot and ankle assessments from the Podiatric medicine department, medication reviews from Drake Pharmacy students, and much more!
Upon arrival, attendees will be asked to complete a postcard with basic demographic information. This information is used to track the number of attendees as well as provide them with information on the Senior Health Fair next year. Once they have completed the postcard they will be given a booklet which includes a map of the fair, information on each booth, and space to write any results from screening exams in which they participate. The last station at the Senior Health Fair will be a consultation with one of DMU’s faculty where attendees can discuss any results or any questions that may have stemmed from their visit that day. It is also recommended the booklet be turned into a family doctor or other provider so results can be added to the patient’s health record.
There are around 50 booths at the Senior Health Fair. This is a very attendee-friendly event in which booths are labeled by number in the booklet, but there is no order in which they must be visited. Attendees are encouraged to visit booths they are interested in, or those that pertain to their health history and, if time allows, any others.
The Senior Health Fair is organized by the Geriatrics Club and is supported by many DMU student groups and departments. It is truly a collaborative effort of many people in Des Moines resulting in a unique event that houses a great number of resources under one roof. Please share this event information with any senior family member or friend as we’d love to see them this Saturday. They won’t be disappointed!
