ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - More than 280 people attended the health fair hosted by Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic and the Community Health Promotion Council at the APG North recreation center March 20.
The fair featured demonstrations from 48 organizations. Free screenings included vision, blood pressure, body fat analysis, spinal scans and more. Health professionals were on hand to talk about diabetes, ergonomics, dental health, tobacco cessation, heart disease, physical therapy, nutrition and more. A number of vendors emphasized relaxation and stress management, including a vendor that offered tips on meditation. The event also included mini massages and giveaways.
Claire Allen from AMSAA said that she appreciated that the on-post event was convenient, something she could attend during her lunch hour.
"Health screenings are important, you know that you should do them but you don't always do them," she said. "It is helpful to be able to find this information all in one place."
"I enjoyed talking to health care professionals who are knowledgeable in the latest breakthroughs in medicine," added attendee Lawanda Mason from PEO C3T.
APG Health Promotion Officer Wendy LaRoche said that vendors were added based on feedback from surveys from previous health fairs. The event encourages attendees to take a proactive approach to their health.
"The health fair is another way that APG continues to take care of the community," she said. "It's important that our community takes advantage of the services that we are providing. In times of financial crisis, it's easy to overlook your health, as your mind is more focused on your finances. You may overlook going to your annual office visit, so providing the free screenings is a cost-effective way of making sure your health is okay. We are committed to reaching everyone."
In addition to health information, a few vendors provided financial information.
"We wanted to make sure that if anyone missed the financial forums that have occurred on the installation, that they had an additional chance to talk to someone one-on- one," LaRoche said.
LaRoche thanked Sue Singh, KUSAHC's public health nurse for organizing the health fair.
"Without her we could not have accomplished the success that the health fair brought due to her attention to detail, organizational skills and avidness to help the community at large," she said.
LaRoche said that this year APG is offering numerous health fairs. The next event is the Relaxation and Resiliency Fair to be held on April 16 at the Mallette Mission Training Facility, Bldg. 6008 in room 10B from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The fair will offer massage and chiropractic services, as well as stress, financial, and anger management information, along with acupuncture, reflexology, hypnosis, physical therapy and fitness information. For more information call Tiffany Grimes at 443-861-7910.
There will also be an Empowerment Fair on April 23 at the APG Main Chapel from noon to 1 p.m., which will feature self defense techniques and is in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Health fairs are free, confidential and open to all. Tenant organizations interested in participating in health fairs should contact LaRoche at 410-417-2312.
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