Indianapolis, September 28, 2010 -- Take part in free health screenings and receive medical advice from healthcare professionals in a fun family environment at this year’s Westside Family Health Fair.   
On Saturday, October 16, WTHR Channel 13 and Wishard Health Services, along with the Indiana University School of Medicine Internal Medicine Student Interest Group, will present the 13th annual Westside Family Health Fair, at Westside Health Center, 2732 W. Michigan Street in Indianapolis.  The free health fair, which is organized and run by IU School of Medicine students, will be open to the entire community from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.   
In addition to the fair and the free health screenings, hear the latest on The New Wishard as Wishard leaders present a Report to Our Community.  Physicians and community leaders will also be available to discuss healthcare topics and answer questions.   
"This will be the lucky year number thirteen.  The thirteenth time the Internal Medicine Student Interest Group and Westside Community Health Center leaders have marshaled the talents and resources of Wishard, the local community and the many departments and students from the IU School of Medicine to provide disease screenings and fun health education for the entire family," said Dr. Palmer MacKie, a physician at Westside Health Center.  
Health screenings provided during the fair will include blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, dental and vision, and there will also be fitness classes held throughout the event.  Participants may visit a wide variety of information booths including burn prevention, weight loss/exercise, Hispanic resources, WIC, fire and seatbelt safety, mental health, smoking cessation and primary care services.  Education also will be offered on paying for healthcare, women’s health, STDs, domestic violence, senior care, nutrition and much more.  Spanish interpreters and bilingual pamphlets and health information will be available at the fair.  
Door prizes will be given out during the event.  Parents are encouraged to bring their children to learn about bicycle, helmet, seat belt and fire safety.  Weather permitting, a fire truck will be available for touring.  Refreshments will also be offered. 
"We're hoping the whole community comes out to join us, takes advantage of the healthy learning opportunities and becomes better educated on a variety of health-related issues.  We want to activate and energize those in the community toward better health," Dr. MacKie said. 
The Westside Community Health Center provides healthcare services for the community in the areas of family planning, social services, primary care and mental health services.  The center is one of ten Wishard Health Services community health centers located throughout Indianapolis. 
This year's fair sponsors include the Indiana University School of Medicine, Westside Health Center Advisory Council, IU Medical Group, WTHR Channel 13 and Wishard Health Services.  For more information about the Westside Family Health Fair, please call (317) 554-4600.