Seniors take advantage of free screenings at expo

Mardi Suhs | Cadillac News Walter Johnson visited the Cadillac Mercy Hospital booth and had a free diabetes screening blood test. Cindy Bosscher, RN in Diabetes Education, told him his result was perfect.

CADILLAC - Hundreds of senior citizens enjoyed music, entertainment, and free coffee and muffins during Thursday's Hawaiian Luau Senior Expo at the Wexford Civic Center.

Almost 400 luncheon tickets were sold for the hamburger cookout.

And even though there were give-a-ways and door prizes throughout the five-hour event, most seniors said they attended to gather information and take advantage of the health screenings.

“I came to get information about the things I need,” explained Marcia McKenzie of Cadillac. “I'm here to get the medical screenings, a blood pressure test and a glaucoma screening because my eyesight is feeling bad. And then I signed up for the hearing test.”

McKenzie said the mood in the Civic Center was uplifting on the rainy day.

“It's just nice to see everybody,” she added. “All the people here are seniors and sometimes you feel like you are all alone if you are a single person. Everyone seems to be in a really good mood.”

Peggy Strauch of Marion attended to look everything over and have a hearing screening. She was relieved to discover that, even though her left ear has trouble with the highest frequencies, she can wait a couple years before being tested again.

“I was beginning to think I was having a problem,” she said with relief after the 15-minute test.

The Lion's Club hearing tests took place outside in the Munson mobile van. Jim Higgins, a volunteer with the Lion's Club, said that both the morning and afternoon slots were completely booked.

Mercy Hospital's free blood test screening for diabetes was also a busy spot. Cindy Bosscher, RN and head of diabetes education for Mercy, had screened 60 people by 10:30 a.m.

“We found people both high and low and then we tell them to check with their physician,” she reported.

Frank and Carol Robinson drove from Lake City to relax at the tables and sip coffee.

“I think it's been very nice,” Carol said. “There's a lot of helpful information here. I came to see what it's like and it is nice for seniors to go and get all kinds of information in one place instead of going all over. It's been very nice.”

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