Barbara Lawlor, Nederland

9Health Fair volunteer Ella Olson of Black Hawk did not have long lines of patients waiting to see her. In fact, it appeared to be that some of them, especially women, were avoiding her booth at the Fair last Saturday, May 3, at the Nederland Community Center.

It's not that she wasn't a welcoming, cheerful person; the reason for the avoidance was that she was measuring fat.

"When I would ask people walking by if they wanted to come and be tested, many of them would say, 'Oh, no, I don't need to know how fat I am. I don 't want to know. For sure, I have enough of that.'"

Most of the health stations in the gym and dining area were busy throughout the day. At least 230 people had blood draws; 260 attended the event and participated in the free exams and consultations. About 72 volunteers, some of them registered nurses or EMTs, helped with the bloodwork while others measured height, weight, checked eyesight and teeth and handed out colon screening kits.

As usual the Lions Club volunteers took care of the financials and a group of Americorps volunteers did the cleanup work.

The fair ran smoothly, with patients having all the time they needed for answers to their questions.

Lucille Scheufler, 83, of Gilpin County, said she attends the fair every year. "I come here because when you get a blood count you get so much more than if you go to a doctor. It is so important to know what is going on with your health."

Scheufler visited Sandy Bertrand, a physical therapist, who checked out Lucille's balance and suggested she try Tai Chi classes and fall-prevention therapy. "You learn so many things here," she said.

Susan Schneider of Gilpin County stood tall while volunteer Nancy Moon measured her height. Schneider said it was her third year of volunteering at the 9Health Fair, "because it is the right thing to do and all my friends and neighbors are here," she said.

Gen Morley worked with Amy Hartman of Peak to Peak Counseling, administering a memory test for possible Alzeheimer's. She also had information on Stress Management.

The memory test consisted of identifying four items in different categories and then waiting for about three minutes while distractions were introduced and then asked to remember the four items, given cues if necessary.

A score of four or below indicated memory impairment and five or six meant moderate memory loss.

Morley is an intern with Harding and said that the Peak to Peak Counseling in Nederland is one of the top private practice models for internship training in the Boulder and Denver area.

Professional health testing once a year is a great way to ensure that patients understand their needs and know how and where to get the help they need.

The 2014 Nederland 9Health Fair was once again a success and an asset to the mountain community.