The community is invited to "Celebrate Women's Health" at the annual health fair scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 26, 8 a.m. until noon at the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church Activity Center at 800 Broad Street, across from the Elizabethtown Police Station and Municipal Building.

The event is sponsored by Bladen HealthWatch in partnership with Bladen Presbyterian Parish, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Elizabethtown Baptist Church.

Health screenings, educational resources and exhibits, door prizes, and wellness workshops presented by local physicians will be a part of the festivities at the "Celebrate Women's Health" event.

The first 100 women to walk through the door at this year's health fair will receive an American Heart Association's 'red dress pin.' Wearing this pin raises awareness for women to take charge of their health and live stronger, longer lives!

Screenings will be available until 11:30 a.m. and will include free blood pressure checks, free blood sugar testing, and a $15 fee for cholesterol panel (fasting is preferred; nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to the event).

In addition, tips for celebrating and embracing a healthy lifestyle by improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and tobacco cessation will be available.

A special feature of this year's health fair will be the wellness workshops regarding current topics in women's health facilitated by local physicians throughout the morning. A sample of the topics planned include: Women & Heart Disease - the Silent Epidemic, Getting to Know Bladen County Hospital's Birth Center, Diabetes Care & Prevention, and Osteoporosis - What Every Woman Should Know.

The workshops also include Beating the Odds - Don't Fear - Colon Cancer Screening, Learning to Perform Breast Self-Exam, Cancer Preventions Guidelines, A Beautiful Smile - the facts about dental whitening and pregnancy and dental care, and Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy. The knowledge provided will empower women to embrace and celebrate healthy lifestyles.

At the closing of the morning's events, a special guest speaker, District Court Judge Nancy Phillips, will tell a little about her journey in life, connecting the physical with the spiritual, reflecting on what it means to take care of the "Whole Person." Light healthy refreshments will be available at that time.

"Treat yourself to a refreshing morning of acquiring the most up-to-date health information, and to ensure that you are on your way to a healthier and happier 2005!" said Parish Nurse Mary McKeithan. "Come to the health fair to "Celebrate Women's Health," to explore the Mind, Body and Soul connection, to learn more about the women's health services offered in Bladen County and to meet your community health providers."

For more details, contact Bladen HealthWatch at 862-1499.

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