Interactive Senior Health Fair Thursday

The second annual Interactive Health Fair for Seniors will be from 8-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Hot Springs County Senior Center. Biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and juice will be served from 7-8 a.m.

“People should attend this event to experience health education in a hands-on, interactive way,” Hot Springs County Senior Center Director Chanda Waddell said. “This event is fun for vendors and attendees alike and is definitely something to look forward to.”

Waddell said when this concept for the health fair was created, they had two goals — to address health concerns and questions seniors have and create a tangible experience.

“With that in mind, we reached out to health organizations and practitioners who work with the senior population,” Waddell said. “During conversations with those organizations, we asked that they develop a vendor presentation based on an interactive learning opportunity in an attempt to mitigate the standard health fair offering of pamphlets and flyers.”

For the first year, they had A1C testing, foot check, foot soaks, a portion-size activity where seniors poured what they determined was a portion of cereal and were then shown what the portion size is, two Gottsche demonstrations — one an abbreviated senior fitness class and another abbreviated class showing attendees several exercises for fall prevention, Waddell said.

“We also had flu shots, radon testing, a dental display and more,” she said. “I don’t know what every vendor is bringing this year. Many of them are still developing their interactive booth but the participating organizations are excited about it and are looking forward to bringing something new, educational and fun.”

Though the health fair is designed around senior health concerns, non-seniors are welcome to attend, Waddell said.

Participants include the Hot Springs County public health nurse, Sensible Nutrition from UW Extension, Dining with Diabetes, Gottsche Rehabilitation, Red Rock Family Practice, Mountain Pacific Health, Paintbrush Dental, Wyoming Cancer Resource Services, Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, Shopko Pharmacy and the Pioneer Home.