Community & Economic Development

Focus On: Rural Health Fair

In spite of weather, 73 people attended the first Rural Health Fair March 3 at the Lee County 4-H Center.

The fair was coordinated by Lee County Extension, in partnership with KSB Hospital (Dixon), Lee County Health Department, University of Illinois College of Nursing - Rockford, and the Rockford Surgical Service.

Participants had access to approximately 10 screenings and tests administered by registered nurses and nurse practioners. These screenings included diabetes, cholesterol, respiratory, blood pressure and other vitals, cholinesterase, skin cancer, hearing, vision, balance, colon cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The Rural Health Fair is the result of a study conducted by the University of Illinois College of Medicine - Rockford. The study, The Meaning of Health, Chronic Disease and Injury to Farmers and Spouses, was meant to help health care workers better understand how farmers and their wives make decisions about seeking health care.