Recently, I attended a health fair put on by a large local health club, LifeStyle Rx in Livermore. Since these types of events are held periodically in the Tri-Valley area and can vary widely in size and range of services highlighted, I thought I would put together an informal "primer" on health fairs you might use to decide which fairs to attend, and what you might expect to get out of them.

Here's my "Top 10" list of things to consider if you decide to check out a health fair:

1. Who is hosting it? The scope and focus of health fairs can vary widely. Generally, when a fair is hosted by a hospital, the tone reflects the range of services provided at that facility and targets cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk, orthopedic problems such as knee, back and shoulder pain and diagnostic tools and techniques for other common conditions.

Health clubs sometimes hold fairs but often label them "Wellness" fairs to highlight more individual-driven, preventive activities such as exercise and nutrition education. Other host sites can include libraries and community centers. These are usually smaller and offer less comprehensive information and resources since they often include only vendors who are interested in promoting their goods and services.

2. A map, index and/or agenda for the fair. The better fairs will provide clear, simple directions highlighting what you'll find at the fair, where to find it and when events will be taking place. 

3. The presence of experts in their respective fields. One feature that definitely makes a health fair more worthwhile is experts. Doctors, registered dietitians and physical therapists available to answer questions make for a much more compelling and relevant event at a hospital-hosted fair. Similarly, the presence of yoga instructors, massage therapists and fitness trainers to discuss the various benefits, techniques and modes of training can make a fair presented by a health club much more intriguing.

4. Free stuff. Sample classes, demos, informational presentations and handouts are staples of a well-organized health fair.

5. Health panel testing. Blood pressure testing, body fat analysis, postural evaluations and dietary assessments are among the range of quick, useful indicators many health fairs can provide. Any or all of these can serve as a catalyst to adopting treatment or preventive measures that can have a measurable, positive and immediate impact on your long-term health.

6.Practical, useful information. The various educational resources featured should be accessible and meaningful. A perfect example at the fair I attended was a table manned by representatives of the ValleyCare Medical Health Library that had a display with models of a lung and mouth ravaged by years of heavy smoking (see picture). That was a powerful visual medium to which most of us can relate.

7. Links/contacts to learn more. Handouts, website links and personal referrals should be available to provide more detailed information about any topic that piques the interest of attendees.

8. A "no-pressure" environment. Health fairs should have an open, welcoming feel with no hidden (or not-so-hidden) agenda to rack up membership sales or appointments.

9. Kid activities. At larger facilities, activities and giveaways for the kids like face painting, bounce houses, stickers and "stress balls" often are happily provided.

10. Fun.  Let's face it, they're asking you to give up a chunk of your hard-earned weekend to check out their offerings. The layout, slate of activities, presentations and personalities of participants should be informative and upbeat, friendly and engaging. Health is a critical component in quality of life. A health fair is a move toward  better living.