Community Corner

Low-Cost Health Screenings Offered This Spring

Vital, low cost health screenings and clinics are being offered this May by the Bernards Township Health Department.

On Wednesday evening, April 15, the Board of Health sat down to discuss the upcoming health events for this spring and how they are going to continue to promote well-being in the community.

To stay in the health-know, the board recently set up a Health Newsletter online entitled Health Matters. This newsletter spreads information about upcoming events and programs, as well as advises the public on health wellness and illness prevention. To subscribe to Health Matters, residents can visit the Board of Health website at www.bernardshealth.org

H1N1 Influenza Vaccinations 

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The Board of Health is offering free H1N1 Vaccinations at the Department of Health headquarters (262 S. Finley Ave.) every Wednesday this spring from 4-5:30 p.m. This past March, 90 people participated in the clinic, and over 8,000 have been treated since last October. The number of vaccinations distributed is the highest out of all the public clinics established by health departments within Somerset County.

A registered nurse from the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills administers the shots. To schedule your appointment for a vaccination please call 908-204-2520.

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The Board of Health received an additional grant for $31,575 for their vaccination efforts. Director of Health, Lucy Forgione, explains that they are going to be "using a van to take the show on the road. We are going to try to bring the van and the vaccines to the people instead of the other way around." The van will be going to street fairs and local events within the community. 

Male Cancer Screening 

If you are a male over the age of forty with a family history of prostate cancer, or simply a male between the ages of fifty and seventy years old, the Board of Health advises you get a screened for prostate cancer. On Tuesday, June 2, between 5:00-8:00 p.m., a male cancer screening will be held in the Liberty Corner School Medical Office. This screening will include an exam by a Urologist, a Prostate Specific Antigen test, a blood pressure check  and cancer prevention information. Pre-registration for the screening is required, which can be done between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., weekdays beginning after April 19th. The cost for residents is $30; non-residents must pay $40. 

Health Screening Clinic 

Do you have a serious disease, but are unaware of it? A Health Screening Clinic will be held to test for conditions such as diabetes, gout, kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, leukemia, severe infections, hypertension, and measure cholesterol levels and triglycerides. The Health Screening Clinic will be held Thursday, May 6 and Friday, May 7 from 7:00-9:00 a.m. at the St. James R.C. Church in Basking Ridge. This screening includes a blood test, urinalysis, stool blood test and blood pressure check. Register after April 19 at the Bernards Township Health Department between 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Residents pay $30; non-residents pay $40. 

Twilight Challenge

Sunday, June 6th will be the 22nd Annual Twilight Challenge, a charitable run and walk sponsored by the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse / Youth Services Commission, the Bernards Township Health Department, and the Department of Parks and Recreation. There will be three race courses of varying degree, all taking place at Pleasant Valley Park.

The 5K run (3.1 miles) will take place on two cross country loops around Pleasant Valley Park. There will be awards to the top male and female contenders as well as awards for the top three runners within each age group. The race begins at 6 p.m., but numbers must be picked up between 4-5:30 p.m. on the day of the race. Pre-registration by June 4 is $20, and registration on June 6 is $25.

The One Mile Health Walk will begin at 5:30 p.m., and this is a more relaxed and scenic walk through the park. Registration is $10.

The Lollipop Loop is a short loop around a grass field for children of all ages. This event will begin at 5:15 pm.

For more information, call 908-204-2520 or visit the Board of Health website at www.bernardshealth.org


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