news-record.com

The Greensboro Public Library will host its fifth annual Senior Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Central Library.

The fair is designed help seniors connect with community resources and learn about organizations that can help them achieve an independent and healthy lifestyle.

Admission is free. The health fair is open to seniors 55 and older and will include screenings and health information, as well as door prizes. Last year’s event drew more than 165 participants.

“The library’s mission statement is, ‘In partnership with the community provide free and equal access to information ...’ ” said Belinda Lam, information services and senior committee representative for the library. “We think this is a wonderful way to convey health information to our seniors and raise awareness of prevention and even help them take control of their medical conditions.”

Offerings include hearing screenings by the UNCG Speech and Hearing Program, glucose and cholesterol screenings by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, body mass index tests by N.C. A&T and blood pressure checks by Golden Living. Brochures, pamphlets and a list of useful books on health topics will be distributed.

For the first time, the fair will include guest speakers: Anne Gregory, who will speak about senior safety; Cindy Silver, a corporate nutritionist; and Ozella Bundy, who will give Social Security Administration updates.
Already looking toward future health fairs, Lam said she would love to include some hands-on teaching activities at the event.

“Hearing, hypertension, high sugar and cholesterol levels are big issues for seniors, and generally speaking, people will pay more attention to and take advice seriously if it comes from a professional person,” Lam said. “This initial screening may encourage them to seek medical advice.”