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January 23, 2012

Editorial: Learn to live a healthier lifestyle

— There will be some things new at this year’s annual community health fair, including a new location, new leadership and a new name.

But one thing hasn’t changed — it’s still all free.

Come Saturday, Feb. 11, at the new Mack Gaston Community Center on Fredrick Street, the Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership will sponsor the Erwin Mitchell Community Health Fair.

For the past 11 years the health fair was organized by the Latin American Community Alliance (ACLA) at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. But now the Partnership is taking the lead and has decided that Dalton’s newest jewel, the community center, is ideal for the fair. The building has an area designed to hold a medical clinic where the free health screenings can be held, and it is more central to many area residents.

The fair is now named in honor of the late Erwin Mitchell, a prominent Dalton citizen, attorney and legislator who helped establish the healthcare partnership 20 years ago.

The annual health fair fills a variety of needs in our community. Some people come because they don’t have access to a physician or annual screenings.

While these services are important, the fair also will emphasize healthy lifestyles, an important goal of the healthcare partnership.

What’s offered at the fair? Practically anything related to health, from dental screenings to breast exams and Pap smears. Workshops on chiropractic and health care planning are slated, as well as screenings for diabetes and HIV testing.

Some alert organizations and agencies have realized the advantages of taking part in such an event, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice Advantage, RossWoods Adult Day Services, the Whitfield County Health Department, Georgia Mountains Health and St. Joseph Clinic, among many others.

Health fairs give providers a leg up on promoting their name in the community. Businesses, such as pharmacies and medical supply firms, are encouraged to sign up and take part.

Doing so is good for visibility. It’s a big advantage if people know your name when they need your service or goods. They’ll think of you first.

Programs will be offered in English and Spanish, so all participants can come away knowing what they need for their children, spouse and themselves to lead a healthier life.

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