For many people, the onset of potentially life devastating medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension seemingly comes out of nowhere, without any obvious symptoms.

However, the reality of today’s hyperactive workplace means that potential sufferers of these conditions often skip regular appointments with medical personnel, who may be able to spot early warning signs and help their patients receive preventative treatment. These signifiers could be everything from blood pressure readings to how often a person uses the restroom.

“Sometimes, basic vital signs that seem normal to the patient can reveal deeper problems to us,” said Rebecca Torres, a family nurse practitioner with Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

Busy residents are encouraged to take a few minutes of their time Friday to stop by the hospital, as the organization hosts its annual Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first floor of the building, located at 420 W. High St. in Dowagiac. Admission to the event will be offered free of charge.

During the fair, residents will be have a chance to meet Borgess-Lee’s health care providers and learn more about a variety of health-related topics, including diabetes education, mammography care, mastectomy supplies, assisted living advice for the aging, nutrition services, bike safety information and chiropractic care. There will also be a bake sale during the fair.

Visitors will be able to meet some new faces during this year’s fair, including Torres and Melissa Scheid, a pediatric physician’s assistant. Friday will mark the first health fair the two have participated in, as Torres joined the family care team last August and Scheid came aboard the pediatric department in November.

The two medical providers will be on hand during the fair, answering questions about the services provided by the hospital and the adjacent medical center, including behavioral health services and the convenient care clinic.

Torres and Scheid are among the new hires Borgess-Lee has made to bolster its ranks in recent years, which allows the hospital to not only provide more timely appointment hours to patients, but also diversify the type of care the organization can provide, something that is highly useful to residents of a rural community such as Dowagiac, Torres said.

“Things are constantly evolving here [at the hospital],” Scheid said. “We are always looking to provide new services to meet the growing needs of the community.”

Hospital staff will provide free blood pressure readings to visitors, and are willing to answer questions about any health concerns people have.

Besides serving as an introduction to the hospital staff and services, the fair will hopefully encourage people to take their health more seriously and help them get any treatment they may not have otherwise known they needed.

“Come out and meet us, and see if we can make your wellness better,” Torres said.

For more information people may call (269) 783-3082.