POCATELLO — Regular health screenings are crucial for maintaining optimal health and catching potential issues early on. The annual Idaho State University Health Fair, scheduled for March 28 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Pond Student Union Building on ISU campus, offers a unique opportunity for the Pocatello community to access free health screenings and get lots of great education at interactive booths and exhibits.

Health screenings are tests performed on individuals who may not show any signs or symptoms of a disease or medical condition. These are different from diagnostic tests, which are conducted when a person is already experiencing symptoms. Some essential health screenings include:

— Blood cholesterol and triglyceride tests: High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.

— Blood glucose and hemoglobinA1c tests: These tests measure blood sugar levels and can help identify the risk of developing diabetes or even help to diagnose the condition. Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke and damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

— Blood pressure checks: High blood pressure, or hypertension, often shows no symptoms but can lead to severe health problems like heart attacks or strokes if left untreated.

— Foot exams: For people with diabetes, regular foot exams are essential to prevent serious complications. Nerve damage associated with diabetes can cause a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries that may lead to amputation if not treated promptly.

— Oral health screenings: This simple screening assesses the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth and can help identify potential issues such as tooth decay, gum inflammation or other concerns that may require further attention from a dental professional.

At the ISU Health Fair, students and faculty from various health-related programs, such as nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, dietetics, dental hygiene and counseling, provide free health screenings and education to attendees. These screenings include blood pressure and heart rate checks, height and weight measurements, blood glucose and hemoglobinA1c testing, and oral health screenings. After completing the tests, attendees can consult with health science students and faculty to discuss lifestyle changes that can help prevent diseases or complications.

This year’s ISU Health Fair places a special emphasis on infant and child health and wellness. Obesity and diabetes are increasingly prevalent in children, and developing healthy habits at a young age can help prevent these conditions. The fair will feature a “Teddy Bengal Clinic,” where children can bring their stuffed animals for a “checkup” with nursing students and faculty and learn about the importance of routine health visits in a fun and engaging way. By promoting healthy lifestyles and regular screenings from an early age, we aim to set children on a path toward lifelong health and well-being.

In addition to the free screenings, the ISU Health Fair features over 50 informational booths from ISU health-related programs and local businesses, offering educational materials and preventive care activities. If desired, attendees can also have blood drawn for specific tests, like cholesterol screening, for a reasonable fee provided by Portneuf Medical Center.

Idaho faces several health concerns, including diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and poor oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9.3% of the U.S. population, or 29.1 million people, have diabetes, with an estimated 8.1 million cases undiagnosed. In Idaho, nearly 10% of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 5.3% have prediabetes. Adults with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of stroke and heart attack.

High blood pressure affects about 75 million American adults (29%), or 1 in every 3 adults. This condition significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, both leading causes of death in the United States.

Oral health is also crucial for overall well-being. Poor oral health in childhood can lead to a lifetime of dental problems and financial costs. The CDC reports that more than 1 in 4 adults have untreated tooth decay, and nearly half of U.S. adults have gum disease. Research has linked poor oral health to various diseases and conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses and preterm, low birth weight infants.

Early detection of health issues through regular screenings allows individuals to make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent or better manage diseases. The students and faculty at ISU, as well as community health care partners, as ready and able to provide you with important information and answer your questions as well. Take advantage of the free and reduced-fee screenings offered at the ISU Health Fair on March 28 and take control of your health today.