The annual Gila Valley Health and Safety Fair featured 52 exhibitors that provided information about a variety of health services available in Graham County — including a new incisionless procedure to correct acid reflux.

Jeannine Carpenter, fair organizer, said about 600 fourth-grade students from Valley schools attended the fair Feb. 25. This year's event drew 52 exhibitors — 10 more than last year.

The event was staged at the Eastern Arizona College for the second consecutive year. Sponsors included Graham County Electric Cooperative, Lee's Rite Way Market, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Goodman Chiropractic, EAC and LifeNet and AirEvac. The two latter sponsors are helicopter transport services for hospital patients.

Fairgoers could have their blood pressure checked or have their blood drawn to test for a variety of conditions. Others chose to learn about diabetes or tobacco use. Many people stopped at several booths to gather information about health services.

At the tobacco use display, Toni Williams, tobacco use educator, said Graham County has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in Arizona. The display illustrated the long-term consequences of using tobacco products.

For free assistance in stopping the use of smokeless tobacco products or cigarettes call Community Health at 348-8777.

Community Health also offers diabetes education, said Annie Taylor, R.N., diabetes educator. She said individual consultations and classes are available.

Class information includes facts about diabetes, healthy eating, safe exercise and community resources and support. More information is available by calling Community Health.

The Graham County Health Department was on hand to furnish information about services it offers. Fair visitors could receive a free H1N1 vaccine.

While many booths highlighted health-care services, such as cardiac, eye or chiropractic care, others offered information on weight loss, mental health, skin care, organic food and herbal supplements.

One exhibitor, EndoGastric Solutions, offered a presentation on an incisionless procedure that corrects the source of gastroesophogeal reflux disease — known as GERD.

Cenda Rhinhart, a clinical consultant, discussed the symptoms of GERD. She said this disorder causes gastric tissue to creep into the esophagus because the body's gastroesophogeal valve doesn't work properly.

Medical management, including weight loss, special diet and antacid medications, often reduces symptoms but does not cure the underlying disorder.

A new surgical technique known as transoral incisionless fundoplication, or TIF, corrects the malfunctioning gastroesophogeal valve. After the surgery, most patients report no need for antacids or other medications.

She said Dr. Bart Carter, a Gila Valley surgeon, has passed intensive training in the TIF procedure.

After the operation, patients must stay on a liquid diet for one week, followed by a diet of soft foods for another week.

While some insurance companies will pay for the TIF procedure, others do not. The cost for this procedure on a cash basis is between $8,000 and $10,000, Rhinehart said.