The holidays are a time when many people slip into unhealthy habits. Helping Hands, a medical clinic for low income and uninsured residents, is using this time to get a jump on checking for medical conditions and starting healthy new habits with the fifth annual “Healthy for the Holidays” Health Fair on Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“It’s something we’ve been doing for a long time, and it’s worked really well,” said clinic co-founder Janice Morris.

The fair, held at 1733 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers, will offer free screenings for the whole family for a range of medical conditions including blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels. Other free services offered include breast exams and mammogram referrals, dental referrals, and more. A limited number of vouchers for free vision exams and free eyeglasses from America’s Best will be available. Flu shots will be offered for $25.

Free HIV testing, with instant results, will also be available during the fair.

There will also be door prizes, and raffles.

The fair coincides with the clinic’s “21 Days of the Gift of Life,” where the clinic is open every weekday and on the weekend of the fair until Dec. 21.

“The goal is that everyone can get their medicine, their insulin, so they don’t have to go into the holidays without having their medication available to them,” said Morris. “We know after Christmas, there will not be availability at doctor’s offices.” She said two patients had already been admitted to the hospital with potentially life-threatening conditions after being screened during the 21 days campaign.

Helping Hands is also asking for help from the community this Christmas. The non-profit is in need of supplies such as:

- Bottles of water
- Healthy snack bars
- Fruits or Veggie Trays
- Gift cards
- Ink Cartridges (Cannon/40 Black and Color 41, HP 701 )
- Office Supplies
- Examination room supplies
- Weight scale and blood pressure cuffs

The clinic is also asking for sponsors at the Gold ($250),Bronze ($175), and Silver ($100) levels.

For more information, call 770-860-9545 or go to helpinghandsga.com. Monetary donations can also be made at the website.