Fair showcases natural health

By Susanne Kappler, Fort Jackson LeaderAugust 28, 2014

Fair showcases natural health
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Susan Buol, right, an athletic trainer with the physical therapy team at Moncrief Army Community Hospital, explains therapeutic exercises to Anne Sidwell during the Alternative Health Fair Aug. 25, 2014, at Fort Jackson's Solomon Center. The fair fea... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fair showcases natural health
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fair showcases natural health
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Aug. 28, 2014) -- More than 250 people came to the Solomon Center Monday to attend Fort Jackson's inaugural Alternative Health Fair. The fair included 30 exhibitors and six presenters who introduced alternative and natural ways to increase health such as acupuncture, Tai Chi, mindfulness and other holistic approaches.

Pam Long, FMWR fitness programmer who organized the event, said her goal was to showcase different styles at the health fair.

"I believe people want to know more about alternative and natural health approaches to help manage their own health," Long said. "People do not always want a prescription or surgery. That does not mean both do not matter. And it does not mean they aren't sometimes necessary. But if there is another option that is less invasive, people want to know and possibly explore the option."

Long said she was very pleased with the turnout and how engaged people were in every exhibit. She said she's already planning next year's event.

"Definitely, this is an annual event," she said. "We are scheduled to hold it next year on Aug. 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m."