More than 100 turn out for health fair
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Nearly 100 people took advantage of free health screenings at the Health Fair held at the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center in Troy Wednesday.
Hassie Green, center director, said this fair was the most successful one, to date, at the nutrition center.
"We were a little concerned that the weather would keep people away, but we still had a large number of participants," she said. "That show that people are serious about maintaining their well-being and about learning about preventive measures that keep them in good health."
The Health Fair was sponsored by the South Central Alabama Development Commission Area Agency on Aging based in Montgomery.
The SCADC servers six South Alabama counties and sponsors two health fairs each year.
Georgia Jenkins, program coordinator for Alabama Cares and the Alzheimer's Program, said the success of any health fair depends on the agencies that volunteer their time and resources.
"We have nine agencies providing health screenings including blood pressure, oxygen level, hearing and depression screenings and helpful information on skin and breast cancer," Jenkins said. "There is information available regarding nutrition services, caregiver services, senior employment opportunities and DETA training and support groups."
Information was also provided on SenioRx prescription medication, medicaid waiver services and patient rights.
"People come because they want to maintain their present health and learn what they can do to prevent or reduces the chances of other health problems," Jenkins said. "While they are here, we want to educate seniors about the many beneficial programs that are available to them, and to others under the age of 60 who qualify."
Samelia Williamson, respiratory therapist, for Mid-South Home Health Agency, Inc. in Troy said her agency wanted to be a part of this Health Fair to show their support of seniors.