10/19/10 Anyone can be nervous going to see the doctor. That’s why Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center/Plymouth is making its doctors available to go see at the Marshall County Senior Expo, which will be held on Tuesday, November 2, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at LifePlex.

“White coat hypertension, more commonly known as white coat syndrome, is a phenomenon in which patients exhibit elevated blood pressure in a clinical setting, but nowhere else,” said Josephine Randazzo, D.O., F.A.C.O.I. “But really what we’re doing coming up at the Senior Expo is all about meeting and greeting and getting to know the folks in a very relaxing and fun atmosphere.”

Dr. Randazzo, of the Saint Joseph Physician Network’s Marshall County Cardiology Specialists, will be joined by three of her SJRMC physician cohorts at the hospital’s booth during the Senior Expo. Tim Peters, M.D., of Marshall County Family Practice, Joseph Faulkner, M.D., F.A.C.S., of Marshall County Surgery Associates and SJRMC/Plymouth’s Wound Healing Center, and Noreen Faulkner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. will all be a part of “Meet the Doc.”

Each doctor will be at the SJRMC/Plymouth booth at different time throughout the day. The hospital’s booth will also provide various free health screenings, including cholesterol and hemoglobin, as well as a balance screening provided by SJRMC/Plymouth’s Rehabilitation Department.

“I think with the screenings, the ‘Meet the Doc’ initiative will add a real nice personal touch,” said Dr. Peters. “Healthcare is complex and I know how much people appreciate taking the extra time to really explain things. This is a nice way that we can help answer any questions or just say ‘hello.’”

For Dr. Joseph Faulkner, who just joined the Saint Joseph Physician’s Network in September, the Senior Expo is a chance to continue for him what has been a homecoming as he is a 1973 graduate of Culver Military Academy. Having his wife, Dr. Noreen Faulkner, join him in the SJPN has been extra special.

 “We’ve had a wonderful time here in the six weeks, or so, that we’ve been here,” he said. “This really is the heart of the Midwest and we’re looking forward to the Senior Expo as a chance to get reacquainted with so many wonderful people here in Marshall County.”

The Senior Expo features free admission, free food, free entertainment & speakers, free health screenings, free expired med disposal, and 60 vendors with quality products and services. Other free health screenings include biox, blood pressure, BMI, Body fat, glucose, and bone density, among others. Flu shots will also be available. Hundreds of door prizes will top off the day. All ages are welcome. Free transportation will be provided by appointment to Marshall County’s senior residents, by calling Marshall County Public Transit at the Council on Aging at (574) 936‑9904.

The Expo is made possible by the Marshall County Council on Aging, with the generous support of these corporate sponsors: Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, People’s Drug Store, Pilgrim Manor, TCU Insurance, Miller’s Merry Manor, and South Bend Orthopedics. For more information, please contact Marshall County Council on Aging, Life Enrichment Center, 1305 W. Harrison, Plymouth at (574) 936‑9904 or toll‑free at 1‑866‑936‑9904.