MARENGO-If you think you have health problems, you may need to make arrangements to travel to the Linden Elementary School cafeteria Saturday, August 20.

The first Marengo Healthy Families will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free food, entertainment, and health screenings.

Ashvin Parikh of the Marengo Health Department and one of the event’s organizers, said a similar event is usually held during Public Health Week but wasn’t this year. Thus, Marengo Healthy Families 2005 was created.

The event is sponsored by the Alabama Power Service Organization, Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital, First Bank of Linden, Linden Lumber Company, Marengo County Commission, University of Alabama – Project Export, Rock Tenn Company and Robertson Banking Company.

“It will be a family fun day,” Parikh said. “We will have a cookout and the kids can play on the playground.”

Parikh said the children can get their blood sugar tested and professionals can check their height and weight ratio.

Older participants will be able to get free health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, cholesterol, HIV/AIDS, vision and hearing, dental care, and foot care. Child safety seat inspections will also be available.

According to Parikh, one of the most important tests will be the bone density screening to test for osteoporosis.

Healthy Families 2005 is organized by it’s sponsors, Congressman Artur Davis, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Alabama Medicaid-Marengo County, Children’s Rehabilitation Services, Community Care Network, Cornerstone Church, Department of Human Resources, Governor’s Black Belt Area Commission, Linden School System, Marengo County Commission, Marengo County Health Department, Tuscaloosa Regional Center, and Community Service Program.

Parikh said it is important for people to come out to become aware of their health status and see a doctor as soon as possible if needed.

The event is completely free and open to everyone who comes out.

“You can be a millionaire or a poor person and it won’t cost anyone a penny,” Parikh said.