In this case it is not good to be among the top five.

In this case, it is the top five leading causes of death in Quay County. They are:
l Heart disease
l Cancer
l Respiratory diseases
l Accidents
l Tied for fifth place are diabetes and cerebrovascular disease.

These were leading cause of death in 2005 in Quay County, according to state health statistics.

They are also the reason the upcoming Quay County Community Wellness Fair is gearing its health screenings to catch the warning and early signs and symptoms of these particular diseases and problems, said Alida Brown.

Brown is the coordinator of the Quay County Maternal Child and Community Health Council which is organizing the fair with the help and support support of local organizations and businesses in Quay County.

One screening, for example, will be a free full panel on blood sugar and lipid or fats in the blood,  by the UNM School of Pharmacy with Dan C. Trigg Hospital Pharmacy, Brown said.

 The screening requires  fasting,  so it will be necessary to fast for 12 hours prior to the test. The results will be given on site.
However, because of the time needed to complete each test and the limited number of machines,  only a limited number of people can be screened per hour, Brown said. 

Another test, a carotid artery ultrasound screening will be offered by the Quay County Medical Clinic. A fee of $10 will be charged at the fair for this test, Brown said. 

Reservations are advised for both the lipid panel and the carotid artery screening. To reserve a time, call Doris at 461-2656, ext. 6602.
For the women, there will a breast self-exam training and breast exams offered by the staff of physician James Saltz and Sheryl Gambardella from the Quay County Medical Center. 

The Quay County Wellness Fair will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 26 at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

Admission to the Fair is one can of food or $1, which will go to the Ministry of Hope.