Health, entertainment coming

Flu shots, laboratory tests, entertainment for children, and informational presentations will be part of this year’s Marion County Health Fair.

The fair will be 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center, 104 N. Thorp St.

St. Luke Hospital and Hillsboro Community Hospital will offer an assortment of blood tests.

A combination of comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, complete blood count with differential, and thyroid-stimulating hormone tests will cost $25.

Prostate specific antigen tests for men 40 and older and hemoglobin A1C tests will be available for an extra $10 each.

Results will be mailed within two weeks.

The health department will give flu shots, including regular dose, Flublock for ages 50 to 64, and senior high dose for ages 65 and older. Most insurance companies will be billed, or cash or checks will be accepted.

New this year is a vaping exhibit that explores the rise and fall of cigarette smoking, the emergence of e-cigarettes, and marketing strategies that target today’s teens.

At 9 and 10 a.m., instructors will show how to create a safe sleep environment for babies. Portable cribs and sleep sacks will be given to participants.

Kids can create smoothies by riding a bike attached to a blender. They also will learn about nutrition and physical activity.

A LifeSave helicopter will arrive at 9 a.m. Atmos Energy’s Rosie the Skunk also will visit the health fair. Door prizes will be given away every half hour, and an Apple watch will be given away by drawing.