The first line of defense against illness is our skin.

That was the message during the third annual "Wound Care Fair" in Hazard.

Health officials say when people get sick, one of the first places to be affected is their skin.

“They're also are compromised in their health status. Therefore, their skin can be compromised also so it’s important to learn how to prevent a lot of skin issues,” Denise Kilburn said.

The event is aimed at educating everyone from the general public to nurses and caretakers on how to properly treat and prevent wounds, sicknesses and other health issues.

The fair even provides educational classes that anyone can attend.

“We have six instructional classes. Those range from nutrition to legal issues to microbiology classes about how the bacteria affects the skin. Just various things like that,” Kilburn said.

Vendors who were at the fair say this is a great way to get their message out.

“We just want to get the word out on some of the newest products that are out there, not only for patient benefit but also for the staff benefit to make their job easier but to provide better and superior care for their patients,” Kevin Lear said.

“Promoting your lifestyle changes with your diet, low cholesterol, low triglyceride, high fiber diet has a lot to do with it, exercise, and stop smoking if you smoke,” Mary Turner said.

Health officials say many of their vendors traveled great distances to attend this annual fair, some even from neighboring states.