Free health screenings available to community University of North Dakota health professions students will host the annual Health Screening Fair on Saturday, November 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Grand Forks. Medical students and nursing students will offer free blood pressure checks and blood glucose tests. Physical therapy students will perform posture and balance assessments, also free of charge. Additionally, lipid panels will be available for $5. Lipid panels include a total cholesterol reading and help determine risk for heart disease. Prior to having a lipid panel drawn, it is recommended to fast for six to eight hours. This event offers community members the opportunity to learn vital information about their health, said Elizabeth Blixt, president of the UND American Medical Student Association and a second-year medical student at UND. Students are eager to interact with community members and provide a beneficial service. Screening of blood pressure, blood glucose, lipids and posture and balance can serve as a valuable tool. High blood pressure usually presents no symptoms, yet can cause significant cardiovascular problems. Blood glucose tests can screen for diabetes. Posture adjustments can help improve overall quality of life. The Health Screening Fair is organized by the American Medical Student Association and made possible by support of students, faculty and staff at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences and UND College of Nursing. -- Tara Mertz, communications specialist, Center for Rural Health, taramertz@medicine.nodak.edu, 777-0871