Matthew Blanding of Upper Marlboro thought everything was fine with his health, at least until he was screened in April 2003 at the annual Largo Community Church Health Fair. That’s when he discovered he had prostate cancer.

From there, he worked with Howard University’s doctors and had the cancer removed. The retiree has been cancer free since. Blanding said the early detection made a huge difference in his outcome, which is why he is a strong believer in the benefits of health fairs.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Largo Community Church’s health fair and, as it has since the inception, it is again partnering with Howard University.

Beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, to 3 p.m., Howard physicians and health care clinicians will answer questions and provide screenings for various diseases
at Largo Community Church in Maryland, 1701 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, Md.

The health fair begins at 8 a. m. Saturday, April 14, with a flea market.

Howard University will provide close to 40 doctors and medical representatives to conduct dental, hearing, memory, cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension and HIV screenings.

There will also be tables with representatives from the American Cancer Association, the Department of Aging, the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Department and Arden Courts Memory Care Center. The fire department will bring a fire engine and an ambulance to demonstrate and talk about the importance of fire safety and other local physicians and health care clinicians will join the event
Child health activities and tables will be available as well. Children will be able to get pediatric dental screenings, visit the Safe Kids USA table, attend a seminar on understanding adolescent peer pressures and enjoy face painting, story-telling and games at the Kids Corner seminar.

People will also be able to participate in line dancing and Zumba classes.

Blanding said he believes that this year people will leave the health fair with not only greater awareness of diseases, but a sense of assurance in their personal health as well.