How many times have you heard from a co-worker that an illness could have gone undetected for far too long had it not been for a check-up at one of our annual Health Fairs?

Take advantage of this convenient and inexpensive service offered by Campus Recreation from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, at the Fitness Center. New this year is a vascular screening service offered by Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Blood tests and vascular screenings are also available on Wednesday, April 12. Call 6511 to make an appointment. Screenings are scheduled between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

For a modest charge, CRMC staff members will draw blood for the following tests: lipid profile ($5), prostate specific antigen ($11), thyroid panel ($40), and a comprehensive chemistry profile ($15). Both the lipid and comprehensive chemistry profile require 12- to 14-hour fasting to ensure accurate results.

In addition, there's now the vascular screening option, which is recommended for anyone over 60, people with high blood pressure, smokers, or those with a first-degree relative who has had an aortic aneurysm. The screenings use ultrasound technology to assess your risk for stroke, abdominal aneurysm and peripheral artery disease. There are three tests: stroke screening/carotid artery ($45), abdominal aneurysm screening ($45), and peripheral arterial disease screening ($45). If you want all three, there's a discounted fee of $109.

All day Tuesday, the entire Fitness Center is devoted to health tests, screenings, and exhibits that include information on early cancer detection, flexibility and posture assessments, strength tests, and samples of healthful food from community and campus resources. The School of Nursing is providing blood pressure checks, Counseling Center staff can talk with you about stress reduction and management, and Fitness Center staff are giving free neck massages.

Inexpensive and healthful breakfast and lunch items can be bought at the Fitness Center on Tuesday; breakfast will also be available on Wednesday. And there are even door prizes.

Health Fair 2006 is open to the entire campus community, plus dependents, spouses, retirees and alumni. Supervisors are encouraged to arrange work schedules to allow everyone the opportunity to attend. The Fitness Center recommends that you set aside up to two hours for blood and other health screenings, a tour of exhibits and lunch.

Questions? Visit the Fitness Center's health fair web site for more information. Or call 6511 or 6508.