Community comes together for senior health fair
The theme for this year’s fair was “Fall in love with yourself.”
Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear from speakers on special-interest topics – such as taking advantage of the harvest and planning for each new day – and health topics currently in the news like Social Security updates and the dangers of vaping.
Terrace Manor Nursing and Rehab representative Celeste Nix had all in attendance write down things that make them happy, activities they enjoy and stress releasers to help people realize what they need to do to take care of themselves from a mental health standpoint.
“In order to take care of other people, you have to take care of yourself first,” Nix said. “You have to listen to your body and give it what it needs, or it can shut down on you.”
Melanie Allen, regional Extension agent of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, educated those in attendance about the myths of vaping, the healthcare risks vaping poses and how to understand someone dealing with a nicotine addiction, to be able to help them.
Guests in attendance were able to ask questions about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, learn more about ingredients common in most e-cigarettes and talk about how the trend of vaping is appealing to a younger generation.
Other speakers for the day were district manager of Social Security Sylvester White and Sonya Faulkner, RN/clinical liaison at Red Bay Hospital.
Guests received a free lunch and the chance for door prizes. They also had the opportunity to visit various vendor booths.
Vendors at the health fair included Country Cottage, CVS Pharmacy, Franklin County Department of Human Resources, Foster Grandparent Program, Kindred at Home, Keller Home Care, Red Bay Hospital, Riverbend Center for Mental Health, Russellville Hospital, Russellville Housing Authority and Terrace Manor Nursing and Rehab.
