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U.S. Sens. Ben Nelson, top, and Chuck Hagel will be honorary co-chairs of health screenings that will be conducted by the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at the Nebraska State Fair. |
Established in 1985, the foundation has provided more than $97 million in support of cancer prevention research, education and outreach programs nationwide. It also sponsors screening booths at state fairs in Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota.
Faculty and students will conduct the screenings through the UNMC College of Nursing Mobile Nursing Center. The screenings will take place in the Bob Devaney Sports Center every day from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1.
Screening hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 22, screenings are from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Friday, Aug. 29, screenings are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours on Sept. 1 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition to screenings, there also will be educational materials available on how to reduce the risk of cancer. Anyone with abnormal test results will be contacted.
The schedule for screenings for specific types of cancer is as follows:
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer — Aug. 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31;
- Dermascan (assessment for facial sun damage) — everyday;
- Oral cancer checks (by the UNMC College of Dentistry) — Aug. 23 and 24;
- Take-home hemoccult kits (screening for colon cancer) — everyday;
- Total cholesterol — Aug. 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31;
- Glucose — Aug. 22, 25, 28 and Sept. 1;
- Blood pressure — everyday;
- Height/weight/BMI (body mass index) — everyday.
Honorary screening co-chairs are Sen. Chuck Hagel and his wife, Lilibet, and Sen. Ben Nelson and his wife, Diane.
The booth is sponsored by Amgen, Central States Indemnity Company of Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Stinson/Omaha Community Foundation, Novartis, Mrs. Susan D. Clifton, Vice Adm. Clyde R. Bell and Wayne Ryan, Ph.D.
Volunteers are needed to help provide support at a free health screening booth at the fair. People are still needed to help out with a variety of jobs on several shifts. No medical experience is needed. Each volunteer receives two free passes to the fair for each day they volunteer their time.
Those interested in volunteering should contact Rosa Weatherly of the UNMC College of Nursing Mobile Nursing Center at rweather@unmc.edu or 559-6517.