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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Alabaster residents will have the opportunity to learn about managing their health and can meet local medical professionals and organizations during the sixth annual Alabaster Health Fair which is focused this year on “Building a happy, healthier you.”

This year’s installment of the health fair will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Thompson High School Arena from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will feature more than 50 vendors.

“We are very excited to host the sixth annual health fair,” Alabaster City Councilmember Stacy Rakestraw said. “It is a great event for people of all ages and anyone from our city and surrounding communities.”

Each year, the annual health fair features a different theme and this year’s is focused on “Building a happy, healthier you.”

“We want to encourage everyone in whatever stage of life they are in that it is not too late to start changing lifestyles, and eating habits, using preventative care and not putting off health care checkups, dealing with and managing stress better, plus offering help to those who are caregivers of a friend or family member to find resources for a better caregiving balance lifestyle,” Rakestraw said. “We aim to provide an array of medical professionals and healthcare service vendors to meet almost everyone’s needs or someone who can direct them to a good resource.”

During the event, Blair Pharmacy will be offering attendees wellness checks and a vaccine clinic. The organization Rumpshaker, Inc will be present to spread awareness and educate the public on colorectal cancer by utilizing a giant, inflatable colon.

“The health fair allows people to talk with medical professionals and services from the county and state, in a relaxed environment,” Rakestraw said. “Often, an individual has health questions or a health issue about themselves or a family member and it is a great way to help them be proactive, as well as educate them on helpful resources.”

Shelby Baptist Medical Center will be present with its Mako Robotic Surgery System on display which assists medical professionals in handling knee and hip replacements. Merrell Law Firm will help visitors with information on the state form for advanced directives for healthcare and the necessary documents.

“People from our city, and communities around us, can understand that we have great medical services close to home and it is not always necessary to drive to downtown Birmingham for quality healthcare,” Rakestraw said.

Members of Thompson High School’s Health Occupations Students of America will be volunteering to assist with the health fair as well as the school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students. The Alabaster Police and Fire Departments will have vehicles on-site for the event for visitors to look at and officers will be able to answer any questions attendees may have. Sparky the fire dog will also be in attendance.

Judi Pritchard, cognitive coach and co-founder of the Care and Thrive Foundation, will host a free presentation at the health fair entitled “Dementia is not definite. Get started on your cognitive health plan to age better.” The program will begin at 10:45 a.m. for those interested in attending.