On Thursday May 1, Woodland Park was the location for the 2014 Senior Health Fair. Brought to the public by the Mayor's Senior Advisory Committee, the health fair had lots of great information to offer to seniors in the area.
"This event is geared toward our seniors to lead a healthier life and to be more active," Congressperson at Large, Sue Lynch said. "We have an awesome turnout today I think that this is our biggest fair yet...we have a huge number of seniors living in our community and we want them to stay here and have a high quality of life while living here. We want them to know we care about them."
The fair began with Mayor James Snyder reading a proclamation to the crowd.
Around 70 vendors set up booths and gladly helped all of the guests that made their way through the fair. Health screenings, demonstrations, and lots of information was available to all who attended. Senior living facilities, healthcare facilities, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and any other business that is beneficial to senior citizens was there offering services. A Zumba demonstration was given to promote active lifestyles as well as a healthy eating demonstration given by a chef from Rittenhouse Senior Living.
Lunch was offered after the fair concluded. Those who attended ate a healthy lunch of chicken salad, chips, fruit, pasta salad, and cookies. Stephen Lunn, the new CEO of Porter Regional Hospital, introduced himself to everyone during the meal. He talked about his past of growing up in Tennessee and his love of college football, then he spoke frankly on what motivates him in his career.
"The healthcare industry impacts a huge amount of people very personally. It wasn't until I really got into healthcare that I really learned that," Lunn said. "You have a direct impact on people's lives. That gives me a great passion for what I do. It drives me...Every hospital system claims that they're the best at everything. I don't talk about things in those terms I talk about things very directly and that is: quality means where I would go for healthcare, where I would recommend my mother would go for healthcare."
Things wrapped up with Comfort Keepers presenting their Most Vital Senior Award. This award honors seniors who have made positive contributions to their community and make Portage a better place.
Sponsors of the event: Porter Regional Hospital, 1st Source Bank, Personal Asset Management Group, and Walgreens.
