HEALTH FAIR WILL OFFER FREE MEDICAL TESTS; CLINIC TO HOST FOUR-HOUR EXPO.

Byline: Cynthia Teed Daily News Staff Writer

As many as 500 adults are expected Saturday during the eighth annual Health Fair Expo, which will offer free health screenings, low-cost blood tests and valuable health care information.

From 8 a.m. to noon, residents 18 and older can receive screenings for glaucoma, stroke, oral cancer and bone density. Additionally, more than 60 health care exhibitors will offer free educational materials.

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and Kaiser Permanente are co-sponsors of the event, which will be held at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market St.

``The fair is well attended,'' said Kaiser spokeswoman Lisa Kort. ``We've participated for the last several years and offer a variety of services. It's part of our social mission to participate in programs like the Health Fair. It's our way of giving back to the community.''

For a start, participants can line up to have a body fat analysis and bone density check, and be screened for oral cancer. Other free tests include hearing, finger oximetry and pulmonary function.

Several reduced-cost blood tests are available: $30 for a 26-part blood chemistry panel; $45 for a blood chemistry panel with thyroid function; and $70 for the blood chemistry panel plus thyroid and prostate screening, organizers said. These tests average about $330 at a private clinic.

Organizers say the Health Fair Expo also gives residents a chance to learn about other health care options available in the Santa Clarita Valley. This will include exhibits by home health care providers and information on the hospital's adult day health care program.