By THE PULSE NEWS MEXICO STAFF

The American Benevolent Society (ABS) will host its 16th annual health fair at Union Church, located at Paseo de la Reforma 1870 in Mexico City’s Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec, on Friday, Nov. 15.

During the fair, trained medical staff will offer vaccinations against influenza, shingles, pneumococcus and tetanus at minimal costs, as well as free blood and eye tests.

The fair, which is open to all, will also include free glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides screening (provided by the ABC Medical Center), inexpensive blood analyses, and consultations with medical professionals from various health service providers.

The ABS held it first health fair in 2003, when access to flu vaccinations was not always readily available in Mexico.

Since it was already offering flu shots, the society decided to include other health services and make them available for all members of the community.

Over the years, the fair has grown to include a variety of health services.

The ABS also offers free monthly health screening – usually on the second Wednesday of the month between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. These courtesy screenings include cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose tests, as well as blood pressure and body mass index checks.

In Mexico, the season usually begins with the onset of cold weather, which is why the ABS has traditionally holds its health fair in October or November.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States recommends that everyone over age six months should get an annual flu vaccination, although in Mexico the Secretariat of Health primarily targets 20 million high-risk patients (those under the age of five, the elderly, pregnant women, health workers and people with conditions that can weaken their immune systems).

Senior citizens and people with developmental disabilities are especially at risk. It’s estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older. This is because human immune defenses become weaker with age.

Founded in 1868, the American Benevolent Society is a nonprofit organization that provides charitable assistance to both U.S. and Mexican nationals during periods of personal distress or financial need.

For more information or to sign up to attend the ABS health fair, call 55-5520-3008, or write an email to info@absmex.org.