TOWNSHEND — Grace Cottage Hospital is offering several specially-priced blood tests as a prelude to the May 14 “Spring Into Health” 5K race and Community Health Fair in Townshend.
These specially-priced blood tests are available through May 9, Monday-Saturday, 7-10 a.m., in the Grace Cottage Hospital laboratory, 185 Grafton Rd. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment is necessary.
The blood tests include: a comprehensive metabolic and lipid profile (14-hour fast required) for $20, PSA (prostate) for $20, TSH (thyroid) for $10, and Vitamin D test for $25. Payment must be made by cash, check, or credit card; no insurance is accepted for these tests. Participants may receive their results at the Community Health Fair on May 14, along with a free consultation, or they may have the results mailed to them after the health fair.
The Community Health Fair will be held on Saturday, May 14, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Leland & Gray Union Middle/High School and on the Townshend Common. Everyone is welcome. The events offers several free health tests (glaucoma, blood pressure, blood sugar, and more), outdoor activities including an inflatable obstacle course and a climbing wall, plus information from over 40 area nonprofit health, safety and social service organizations.
Also, GCH is offering arthritis and “better balance” courses in the coming weeks.
The Arthritis Foundation's Self-Help Program will run for six Tuesdays, May 3 to June 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the hospital's Community Wellness Center. The class focuses on how to manage arthritis and how to lead a more active, fulfilling life. The class is free, but there is a $25 fee to cover the cost of the workbook (scholarships are available). Pre-registration is required for this program by Friday, April 29.
Through group discussion and easy-to-understand course materials, participants learn about joint anatomy and joint protection, as well as the importance of exercise, weight control, nutrition, stress reduction, relaxation, taking medications properly, and better communication with doctors. GCH physical therapist Sindy Hassig, a certified Arthritis Foundation leader, conducts the program.
Better balance is the goal of GCH's “Exercise for Better Balance” class, to be held on six Thursdays, May 5 to June 9, from 1-2:30 p.m., in the Hospital's Community Wellness Center.
GCH rehabilitation professionals present this interactive, exercise-oriented, balance and strength class, designed to teach participants specific balance-related exercises. The instructors will provide take-home “tips and tools” to improve overall balance and general strength. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes. The class fee is $25 for the series.
For more information on any of these programs, call 802-365-3649.