Yolanda Sanchez was relieved. She learned Sunday that she was healthy -- good news she heard at the Hispanic Leadership Council's 10th annual Community Health Education Faire. "I was nervous because diabetes is in my family. My father died of it," Sanchez said. "But my test was good."

Sanchez was one of about 1,000 people who received free medical screenings at Sunday's health fair at Hanshaw Middle School in Modesto.

Several hundred other people did not register but picked up free literature, according to Dr. Alvaro Garza, Stanislaus County public health officer. He said organizers were pleased with the turnout, which topped last year's participation of about 800.

The free fair was open to people without medical coverage. Prevention and early detection of medical problems were the goals.

"Poor people are those who can least afford to get sick," said Garza. "A lot of people don't find out they have some disease (soon enough), but simple things that are found early we can help."

Exams were offered to check cholesterol levels, dental conditions, anemia and blood pressure. A special area of the school was set aside for pediatric care.

Grimaces and pained expressions were common in the cafeteria, where medical personnel gave shots to reluctant youngsters.

"We came to vaccinate our kids, they need it to go to school," said Socorro Pinto of Modesto.

Debbie Hill, a volunteer from Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, said the screenings in the children's area went well.

"There's been a steady flow of people, but I don't think anyone has had to wait," said Hill, one of about 200 volunteers. "It's such a wonderful feeling to know you're helping kids who don't have access to health care."

In addition to health exams, many organizations offered advice on how to sign up for Medi-Cal, the health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income Californians, and warnings about smoking and lead poisoning.

"I'm sure a lot of people don't know about some services that are available, but hopefully the booths can provide information about them," said Dr. Richard Portillo, an optometrist volunteering in the "new vision" mobile of the Modesto Lions 500 Club.

The county Public Health Department's table held a piece of traditional Mexican pottery adorned with flowers and glazed with a coating that included lead. While the bottom of the pot was stamped with a warning that it was for decorative purposes only and not to be used for cooking, the words were very faint and only in English.

"I was thinking about buying a pot like that because beans cook really well in it," said Esmeralda Hernandez of Modesto. "But I don't think I will now. I've got to think about (the risk to) my kids."

A popular spot was the children's bike safety booth and adjoining obstacle course, sponsored by the Modesto Police Department and Safe Moves, a nonprofit organization. Children could ride through a course with traffic hazards.

"The kids are learning a lot. We've found a large number of them don't have helmets at home, so it's nice to be able to give them away," officer Mark Griffin said.

The seven-hour health fair offered good news to more people than just Yolanda Sanchez.

"My cholesterol is good; my blood pressure is very good for my age," said Angel Bautista of Riverbank, showing his paperwork. "I never have problems with my health, but it's good to be checked."

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.