Participate in Heredigene, see robotics, and get a flu shot at the Intermountain LiVe Well Health Fair this Saturday

Intermountain Dixie Regional Medical Center invites the general public to attend the free LiVe Well Health Fair this Saturday.

“The fair provides an opportunity for health providers and other not-for-profit community groups to help people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Laura Bowles, organizer for the LiVe Well Health Fair. “There are many booths that feature helpful information about your health, as well as experts who can help you improve your wellness in some way.”\

The fair will be held at the Dixie Regional Health & Performance Center, starting at 8:30 a.m. with a fun walk led by the LiVe Well team. The walk begins in the Health and Performance Center parking lot and routes walkers around the hospital. At 9 a.m. the entire health fair opens inside the Health & Performance Center.

“We are excited to be a part of the fair this year by encouraging exercise,” said Allen Christensen, Health Promotion and Wellness Operations Manager at the Intermountain LiVe Well Center in St. George. “There could not be a better way to start out a day dedicated to living well than going for a morning walk or a run with friends.” All ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the free walk.

“Another new health fair addition which is sure to be a hit is the robotics demonstration,” said Mitch Cloward, administrator of Dixie Regional Medical Center. “Our same day surgery department has acquired a da Vinci Surgical System to be used in minimally invasive surgeries to improve care. Once the system is up and running, it will be able to assist surgeons in performing surgeries in urology, general surgery, gynecology and otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) using the most advanced technology.”

Attendees can experiment with a model of the da Vinci robot to get a feel for how a surgeon uses it during surgery.

Attendees can also participate in Intermountain Precision Genomics’ Heredigene study at the fair.

“You can have your blood drawn for whole genome sequencing to reveal your genetic risk for cancer and several other chronic health conditions,” Cloward said. “Participants whose samples do reveal genetic risks will be notified and invited to meet with a genetic counselor. Those who do not have risks identified, will not be notified; however, their samples will be de-identified and added to the study which will contribute to future genetic research in a meaningful way.”

“One of the great benefits of the health fair, is the involvement of community partners who are dedicated to helping you get a snapshot of your health,” said Jordan Merrill, Intermountain Community Health Specialist at Dixie Regional. “We are excited to return this year with a screening team to provide you with information about your blood pressure, potential for depression, and more.”

The community health team will join other volunteers from Intermountain Healthcare, the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, Dixie State University, Community Nursing Services and other health businesses to offer more than a dozen services including flu shots (will bill most major insurances or accept $20 cash, check or credit card), skin cancer screening, cholesterol tests ($25 fee — fast for at least eight hours prior), musculoskeletal information, body composition, hearing and balance, and more.

Other booths will be available to provide information on community programs and services that partner with Dixie Regional to help make our community a better place for everyone. Family friendly exhibits like the Teddy Bear Clinic will also be available.

To learn more about the Intermountain LiVe Well Health Fair, please call 435-251-2159.