Nothing makes a better New Years resolution than to promise to stay healthy.

Less than a week into 2013, the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th annual Health Fair, bringing together health care organizations from around the community in one place.

The free fair will be held in Southgate Mall on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Darr Tucknott, the chambers director of programs and events, said the goal of the fair is to provide access to free or low-cost health care screenings and information for the public.

Instead of having to go around to all these different places and make appointments, we want to gather them together so there is one place to go to learn about good health, Tucknott said.

More than 50 vendors will be at the fair, and Tucknott said she expects about 2,000 people to attend.

The event will cover the full spectrum of health-related sectors. That includes nutritional, mental, dental, chiropractic and exercise, said Paul Heihn, who chairs the chambers Health and Human Services committee.

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Screenings at the event include stress and overall health surveys, spinal analysis, blood pressure and fitness assessments. Community Medical Center will be administering blood tests for a small fee in the morning. Booths with information on Medicare and Medicaid also will be present.

Vibrant Hearing will have audiologists there to conduct hearing screenings and let people know if they should get a more thorough evaluaTion.

Lindsay McKittirick, Vibrants outreach coordinator, said in addition to hearing loss, damage also can lead to problems with balance and tinnitus.

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Health care in one place: Start new year with free or low-cost screenings, information at Missoula Area Chamber of ...