Healthy women of the Mat-Su Valley

The largest Healthy Woman Fair to date was held at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Guests were invited to take advantage of free health seminars, blood pressure, physical balance, grip strength and other screenings as well as laboratory blood tests, tours of the cardiac catheterization laboratory and a hands-on test drive of the world’s northernmost da Vinci S HD robotic surgical system.

Nancy Munson, director of laboratory services, reported that phlebotomists processed 540 blood draws between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., which was 37 percent more than the health fair held in February of this year.

Chief nursing officer Emily Stevens said, “The feedback from everyone has been positive. Our community looks to us for medical expertise and support. We are proud to promote services during events like these.”

In addition to the free comprehensive blood panel, 250 free flushots and 65 free breast examinations and diagnostic mammogram referrals were provided by Mat-Su Regional Medical Staff professionals.

Radiation oncologist Clare Bertucio, M.D., of Valley Radiation Therapy Center said, “There are only a few cancers for which we can effectively screen, and breast cancer is one of them. The biggest gift that you can give to yourself is a breast screening exam. It is almost like giving yourself the gift of life.”

As of Oct. 20, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center provided free health screenings to include laboratory blood tests to more than 1,200 individuals.

For more information about scheduled seminars and other health related events, contact Kerry Aguirre, director of public relations, by calling 861-6849 or visiting matsuregional.com.