Health & Safety Fair offers
free testing, exhibits

By Diane Saunders
Staff Writer
Published on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 9:42 AM MST

The annual Gila Valley Health & Safety Fair will feature health and safety information from more than 40 organizations, including presentations about a new incisionless procedure to treat gastric reflux.

The fair, sponsored by the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center and the Eastern Arizona College, will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Gherald L. Hoopes Jr. Activities Center on the Eastern Arizona College campus. The events run from 7 a.m. to noon each day.

There will be a presentation on the new gastric reflux procedure at 10 a.m. Friday and at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday. This new procedure requires no incision to correct the causes of gastroesophogeal reflux disease, known as GERD.

An endoscope is inserted through a patient's mouth for a transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure to correct acid reflux. Contributed photo

“I’m going to cover all the treatment options of GERD,” said David Kiepke of Endogastric Solutions of Redmond, Wash., and Redwood, Calif.

According to the Endogastric Solutions Web site, the surgeon uses an endoscope that is placed in the stomach through the patient’s mouth while the patient is under general anesthesia.

This procedure is known as transoral incisionless fundoplication or TIF, and local surgeon Dr. Bart Carter is the only physician in the Gila Valley qualified to perform this procedure.

Hospital spokesman Ryan Rapier said patients suffering with GERD should talk with their primary care doctors and their insurance companies before having the procedure.

In addition to the TIF presentation, the fair will offer free blood screenings for cholesterol, diabetes and prostate cancer.

Information will also be available on CPR, disaster planning and medical advance directives.

On Saturday, there will be 5k and 10k fun runs beginning at the college’s Mickelson Stadium. Runners are to meet behind the stadium at 7:30 a.m. To register for this event or to obtain more information call 348-4293.

For more information about the fair or to inquire about presentation space call Jeanine Carpenter at 348-4291.

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