A health fair is an event that increases the public’s knowledge of health services. Some health fairs distribute health materials, offer health screenings, and deliver presentations on effective health practices. Health fairs are attended by people of all ages, either individually or as part of groups organized by schools, businesses, or health care providers. A health fair may be organized by a public or private health organization. The health services and information are generally provided by qualified doctors, nurses, health educators, emergency technicians, and other health practitioners.
The purpose of a health fair is to educate the members of a community on health services and health issues. Education is generally provided at health fairs in the form of live presentations, demonstrations of health procedures, and through distribution of reading materials. A health fair attendee might hear a presentation on how to eat a well-balanced diet. He might have the opportunity to get his blood pressure checked, and also receive important information about how to treat his high blood pressure, along with important phone numbers for follow-up medical services.
Health fairs may focus on a specific theme, or deliver information on a wide range of health issues and illness prevention. An event organized by a fitness club might focus primarily on demonstrating fitness exercises and distributing information on nutrition and diet plans. Other events, such as one organized by a health clinic, might cover a wide range of health topics and services including cholesterol testing, blood pressure screening, and diabetes education. A hospital health fair might demonstrate procedures for handling injuries and breathing emergencies.
Some health fairs target populations that do not usually visit the doctor either due to inadequate funds or limited access. These events might focus on immunizing children and adults, offering flu shots, or monitoring cholesterol levels. Mammograms, hearing screenings, and blood sugar level tests might also be part of such services. In many cases, these types of health fairs ask participants to fill out questionnaires to assess the likelihood that they will take advantage of free services in the future.
The success of a health fair is often determined by the motivation it has instilled in participants to take charge of their health. An event has been successful if participants have received critical information that will prevent future illness or remedy an existing health problem. Information about upcoming health fairs can be obtained from medical clinics, local newspapers, or through places of employment.