Posted on Oct 11, 2006

MURRAY, Ky., Oct. 10 - Murray State University is offering a proactive approach to healthy living by inviting faculty, staff and their spouses to participate in the next Health Awareness and Screening Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 11 in the north gym of Carr Health Building. Screenings will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 1:30 p.m. Three units of Murray's College of Health Sciences and Human Services, which include the department of wellness and therapeutic sciences, department of nursing and department of occupational safety, have joined together to sponsor the fair along with MSU Human Resources, Murray-Calloway County Hospital, Calloway County Health Center and Body Haven. Information from the screenings is confidential and presents an estimated savings to participants of $600 or more, depending on their level of participation and amount of tests performed. Dr. Corky Broughton, professor and chair of the department of health sciences and human services, says the cholesterol screening is one that a lot of people take advantage of. The test requires a 12-hour fast. Blood is drawn for a lipid analysis with the results mailed directly to participants. Results include a complete breakdown of blood cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride. Broughton says knowing how this breakdown contributes to a person's overall cholesterol count is important and something that participants have asked for. PSA (prostate specific antigen), a blood test for men that measures a certain protein in the blood that is produced exclusively by the prostate tissue will be available. Annual PSA tests are recommended for men beginning at age 50, or age 40 if there is a family history of prostate cancer. Dermatologist John Bright, D.O. will perform skin cancer screenings in office suite 105 of Carr Health from 8-11 a.m. Screenings are limited to three every 10 minutes and appointments should be reserved by contacting amelia.dodd@murraystate.edu. Other screenings that will be performed are as follows. All are free unless noted. Tests include diabetes screenings, DermaScan, osteoporosis/bone density screenings, body mass index, body composition, blood pressure screening, ergonomic workstation screening, vision and glaucoma screening, carbon monoxide screening, grip strength, hearing screening, neuropathy screening, and hemocult screening ($4). In addition to the various screenings, participants can visit a number of booths to get information about nutrition guidelines, cancer awareness and smoking dangers.