People taking their health seriously is always encouraging for a medical establishment, which means Saturday was a real shot in the arm for The Memorial Hospital.

The third annual Community Health Fair provided Craig and Moffat County residents an outlet to learn more about the well-being of their own bodies with a variety of health screenings available at a low cost.

More than 200 people pre-registered for the occasion and many more dropped in for tests like blood chemistry, hemoglobin A1C, vitamin D and PSA (prostate specific antigen), as well as body composition scans to determine body mass index.

Beka Warren, a registered nurse and chief quality officer for TMH, said the benefit of having multiple services is in the convenience for patients.

“Just being able to have something affordable, and then they can follow up with their doctor,” she said. “There are more people now who are interested in their health and taking that responsibility, so that’s really good.”

Couple Dennis and Celeste Sanchez stopped by to take advantage of some of the features. The quickness of a blood draw was what Celeste appreciated.

“Simple, easy, get it done, right?” she said.

TMH offered items of health education through their own organization as well as other groups during the fair. The most popular part of the day may have been the unveiling of a new telemedicine technology for the hospital through InTouch Health.

A console that staff referred to as “the robot” made its way around for the crowd to get a glimpse. Officially known as the RP-Lite — remote presence — the device includes a computer screen and camera system that allows a teleconferencing health professional to examine a patient.

“It just allows to offer a better service for our patients,” said Chris Kalinowski, chief nursing officer for TMH.

The unit — nicknamed Scottie for its ability to beam people in and out — is intended for use with participating neurologists out of the area and patients who could be at risk for a stroke. The definition of the camera enables detailed examination of the pupils, which can be a crucial step for someone who may have ignored symptoms.

“In the stroke diagnosis, seconds matter as opposed to minutes,” Kalinowski said.

The neurology specialty is merely a starting point as TMH undergoes training with the technology, with the goal of having it implemented in May. Kalinowski said the hospital intends to have Scottie expanded to other departments as well.

People at the health fair who got a look at the machinery were impressed.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to have technology like that to help our people here,” Celeste Sanchez said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com.