Dear Editor:

This year’s health fair was called a Wellness Fair. Summit Pacific Medical Center is concentrating on the wellness of its patients, so that is an appropriate name.

I’ve gone to other health fairs, I’ve participated in them, helped set up, tear down, arrange, and all of that, but I have never been at a more organized or informative fair ever.

They had hearing and eye exams in vehicles outside the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, and the rest was inside. First up was the flu shot station. Yes, I got mine there. I wish I could remember every one of them, but there were too many.

There was an acupuncturist, massage therapist, helmets by donation from SPMC, of course the blood pressure and weight and height people, and so much more.

I learned that a person on Medicare who has diabetes is given a new pair of shoes and 3 insoles a year, each and every year! The lady comes to your home, if you want her to, and fills out the paperwork with you, sends it to your doctor, then comes back and fits you for the shoes. And there are quite a few styles to choose from. Some look like tennis shoes and some like Mary Janes, but not just the clunky black ones. (I like the clunky black ones.) No cost to the patient. Why didn’t I know that before? And to top it all off there were four providers at the last table to answer any questions you might have.

The snack bar was open, and of course balloons. There were kiddy booths, and spin-the-wheel and win-a-prize booths. Everyone had handouts of one sort or another. Really good vendors, lots of good information. I cannot say enough for this health fair, given by SPMC with Joy Iversen in charge. I’d like to name all that helped, but I would miss someone and I don’t want to do that.

If we are lucky enough to have another SPMC Health Fair — Wellness Fair — next year, do yourself a favor and don’t miss it.

Linda Thompson

McCleary