A lot of people make resolutions to be healthier without being specific about what they want to do.

Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital is hosting a health fair Friday, Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help people see how their health is and how to improve it. Hospital staff members will conduct the free screenings in the hospital’s main lobby.

“This is our kickoff for Scale Back Alabama,” said Chrissy Brooker, director of public relations. “We do this as a way people can see where they’re starting from. This is not the official weigh-in; that is Saturday and next week at the Wellness Center.

“Our GROWestAL division and the Wellness Center will be in the hospital lobby. We will do blood pressure, blood-sugar, cholesterol, BMI (body mass index) — a little of everything.

“If you get the opportunity to have a free screening, take advantage of it. It’s something everybody needs to know because you never know what’s going to happen.”

Brooker said that it is good for people to familiarize themselves with the status of their health even if they aren’t taking part in Scale Back Alabama.

“It’s something that you need to check every once in a while,” she said. “That’s what it’s for; it’s a screening. It will tell you if something is out of whack and you need it checked so you can stay healthy. It’ll be fun!”

For those taking part in Scale Back Alabama, the team weight-loss program, the official weigh-in will be held at the hospital’s Wellness Center on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 25, through Friday, Jan. 29, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To take part or to get more information, contact Adams at the Wellness Center at 287-2613.

Also on Friday at noon, the hospital will host “Lunch and Learn” in its classroom. Wellness Center director Betsy Adams will present “New Year, New You,” discussing healthy living: how to get in shape and ideas and tips on how to stay healthy.

“The mindset isn’t so much about getting in shape; it’s about being healthy,” Brooker said.

The cost to take part in “Lunch and Learn” is $5, which includes a healthy buffet luncheon. Participants should call ahead at 287-2626 to make reservations for the limited number of openings and to ensure that they have a lunch ready for them.

“Part of our goal as a hospital is not just to be a place you come to when you get sick,” Brooker said. “We want to be a place you look to to help you stay healthy and to stay well. That’s why we have the different classes and screenings, and on our Web site, we have links that address health issues.”

For more information, visit the hosptial’s Web site at www.bwwmh.org.