MONROE -- Preparations are well under way for the fourth annual Senior Wellness Expo set for Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Union County Agricultural Services Center at 3230 Presson Road. The event is free and open to the public.

There will be more than 60 information and service-provider booths to provide information about senior services available in Union County. There will also be free health screenings, including spinal assessments, dental oral screenings, and skin cancer and blood pressure checks.

Some events will include:

• The N.C. Lions Foundation Vision Van is returning to the expo this year to provide eye screenings to detect potential vision problems.

• The N.C. Services for the Blind will have a display of adaptive equipment used to aid those who are visually impaired.

• The Wingate University School of Pharmacy will show how to save money on medications and representatives will talk with attendees about the specific medications they are taking.

• Community Health Services will offer seasonal flu shots. The shots are free with Medicare, Part B or with Medicaid cards.

• Representatives from in-home care agencies and assisted living faciltiies.

• Turning Point, Union County’s domestic violence shelter, will have a display highlighting its counseling, case management and legal advocacy services.

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly, or TOPS, will have a booth to tell about its weight loss support group.

• HealthQuest, an organization that provides maintenance prescription medications to uninsured and underinsured residents in Union, Anson, Stanly, and Chesterfield, S.C., counties, will have representatives available to determine if one is eligible for assistance.

Last year’s expo drew more than 350 seniors and an even larger crowd is expected this year. Light refreshments will be served and free coffee will be available.

The event is sponsored by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, the Union County Council on Aging, the Ellen Fitzgerald Senior Center, and WIXE radio, and is being underwritten by BB&T.

For more information please call 704-292-1797 or 704-282-4657.