Carpenters Mini-Health Fair Held in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A mini-health fair hosted by Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council took place today, providing local carpenters and more with access to health screenings and wellness services.

The event , which also included food, games, and prizes was a part of a series of health fairs organized by the council, following recent picnics in Kansas City and St. Louis.

“This is a healthcare advantage Mis-America Carpenters put on for our members,” said Steve Pinkley, Regional Director for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. “We had it in Kansas City a month ago, a couple weeks ago in St. Louis, and now we’re back down here in Southeast Missouri for a mini one.”

People who attended the picnic today were able to receive free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, hearing, and other health concerns. The fair also offered flu shots and biometric tests.

“Carpenters are always around constant noise, over 100 dB, and it catches up with us,” Pinkley said. “This is a good opportunity. We offer hearing aids, and everything as a part of our insurance plan.”

Laurie Sievert, the Communications Manager for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, told FOX23 about the large scale impact that hearing loss can cause.

“When you lose your hearing, it actually affects your brain health because you become more separated from society,” Sievert said. “You can’t communicate as well, and that’s where depression can come in.”

Sievert also told us that the fairs have helped some carpenters discover previously unknown health issues, such as high cholesterol or dangerously high blood pressure. In one case, she informed us about the need for immediate medical assistance where immediate health assistance was needed.

Carpenters interested in more information about health screenings can contact the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council at (314) 644-4800.