MAXTON – The Health and Wellness Ministry of St. Matthew’s Metropolitan and the town of Maxton want to help residents to be healthy and be aware of major wellness issues.

To help residents become more empowered they have teamed up with Scotland Health Care and other local sponsors to provide screenings and information about health maintenance and prevention.

The event will take place at the Maxton Resource Community Center at 103 N. Florence St. on May 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Francine McLaurin, a community advocate, is spearheading the initiative to give residents the tools they need to take control of their health.

“I’m a retired registered nurse … so I’m passionate about health and wellness,” said McLaurin, former Maxton resident.

McLaurin’s mission started with the Health and Wellness Ministry and branched out when her pastor, Joe Young, suggested reaching out into the community.

“Our first one was last year, and we had about 200 to 250 people come, and the mayor asked us to it again after Hurricane Matthew,” McLaurin said.

McLaurin teamed up with Kate Bordeaux to arrange for the event to be held at Maxton’s community center.

Bordeaux said when McLaurin asked if the town would donate the use of the center, she was ready to help McLaurin’s effort in any way she could.

“We’re starting to look at doing initiatives like the ‘Eat Smart Move More’ campaign, and we know that health fairs are a way to distribute information in a nonthreatening way,” Bordeaux said.

It’s information people can glance and decide later that they want to learn more about it Bordeaux said.

Six groups will offer advice and presentations on issues like exercise and nutrition, eye health, back health and more.

Scotland Health Care’s mobile unit will be available with free screenings for cholesterol, A1C (blood glucose), PSA (prostate), and blood pressure screening.

Those wishing to have a cholesterol screening need to fast for 12 hours prior to the test.

Pharmacists from Walgreens will offer blood pressure checks and information on drug interactions.

“Walgreen’s computer will alert our pharmacists when we fill a prescription, but we will be checking prescriptions from other pharmacies as well,” said Raymond Griffin, store manager of Walgreens in Maxton.

Griffin suggested that patients have their prescription bottles or labels with them but said the pharmacist on hand should be able to tell patients about interactions as long as the patient knows the correct name of the medications they are taking.

The pharmacy will also have information on vaccines offered at Walgreens. Some people may even be able to get vaccines on that day Griffin said. He advised those interested in vaccines to bring their insurance information.

Dial Chiropractic of Lumberton will provide information on Muscular-Skeletal health.

Walmart of Lumberton will have representatives from its vision center to talk about vision care.

Scotland County Cooperative Extension’s 4-H TRY-IT team will share information on the importance of exercise and proper diet.

Bordeaux encouraged people to come out to the event.

“You can get free screenings that would cost you a co-pay or if you don’t have insurance even more,” said Bordeaux.

Courtesy photo Francine McLaurin, a community advocate, who helped organize the health fair.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Feature-photm-diabetes-lady-Frances-mclaurenIMG_6707.jpgCourtesy photo Francine McLaurin, a community advocate, who helped organize the health fair.

By Beth Lawrence

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Reach Beth Lawrence 910-506-3169