Health Fair this Saturday offers free tests

The Fallbrook Healthcare District is determined to keep the heart of Fallbrook a healthy and happy one. That’s why this Saturday’s Sixth Annual Celebrate Your Health Fair will carry the theme “Healthy Heart – Happy Heart” and offer members of the community an opportunity to receive numerous medical tests and screenings for free.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, and continue until 1 p.m. The opening of the event will include an appearance by Miss Fallbrook and her court. Attendees will be able to receive free health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, body fat, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, hearing, vision and dental issues in order to lead healthier lives. Nurses from San Diego State University will be on hand to explain screening results to those with questions.

“Attendees will be encouraged to ‘Travel the Path to Health,’” explained Vi Dupre, administrator for the Fallbrook Healthcare District. “Each participant will be given a special stamp sheet that they will carry with them to booths where they will be asked to perform a special activity to earn a ‘stamp’ on their card. The activity could be jumping rope, spinning a hula hoop, drawing a picture or taking a quiz – something healthy and fun.” Dupre said there are may be spaces on the card that are required and may be a bonus space – just for attending. At the end of the path, stamp cards will be turned in, which will make the individual eligible for prize drawings. Drawings will be held separately for children and adults.

“We’ve got some terrific prizes lined up,” Dupre enthused. “You have to walk the Path to Health to qualify; pick up your stamp card when you arrive at the fair!” One of the booths on the path will be manned by volunteers from the Fallbrook Food Pantry, who will explain the services provided by this vital organization to members of the community.

An added feature this year will be a series of mini-presentations by local healthcare professionals in a sit-down setting in the Community Center building. The schedule of presentations, with brief question and answer period, is as follows:

• 10 a.m. – Claudia Chagolla, RN (Family Health Center)

• 10:30 a.m. – Marta Martinez, RN, CDE (Diabetes and Obesity)

• 11 a.m. – Dr. Michael Foli (Chiropractics and Healthy Heart Nutrition)

• 11:30 a.m. – Dr. Sally Wolf (Stress Relief)

• 12 p.m. – Dr. Rafael Rosada (Family Physician)

While the intent is to encourage community members to be aware of and educated about health matters, in addition to prize drawings and giveaways, the event will also feature a rock climbing wall, an alpine slide, games and activities, information booths and more. Live entertainment will include the winner and runner-up of the recent teen Battle of the Bands contest, performances by Ballet Folklorico and a performance by J.R. Crew. Organizers say refreshments in the form of special fruit cups will be prepared and served by members of the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary and the Fallbrook Woman’s Club. Bottled water will be generously provided by the Fallbrook Public Utility District.

Last year, the event was attended by more than 2,000 members of the community. Some 1,217 screenings were provided at that time, the most popular being the ones for bone density, glucose levels (blood sugar) and cholesterol. The 2006 event was supported by 92 volunteers.

This year, Dupre said 125 volunteers are expected to assist at the event. Volunteers will be wearing bright red shirts designed specially for the event.

“The artwork on each shirt is the work of local artist Brett Stokes,” Dupre said.

While the event is organized and sponsored by the Fallbrook Healthcare District, other major sponsors include Fallbrook Hospital, Community Health Systems Inc., Fallbrook Family Health Center, Fallbrook Pharmacy, Fallbrook Public Utility District, Fallbrook Union High School District, Fallbrook Village Rotary, North County Fire Protection District, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District, San Diego County Departments of Parks & Recreation and Health & Human Services Agency and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The health fair will be a smoke-free event. For more information, call (760) 731-9187.