Health fair planned for seniors

Published 8:10 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Guests at the Senior Health and Education Fair have fun learning about how to stay safe and be healthy.

Guests at the Senior Health and Education Fair have fun learning about how to stay safe and be healthy.

The Senior Health and Education Fair next week in Smithfield will give older adults the chance to get free flu shots and health screenings and learn information about keeping themselves healthy.

Adults ages 55 and up can attend the fair on Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St. The fair has been going on for nine years.

The theme of this year’s event is “Lookin’ good, feelin’ good,” said Janet Robertson, president of the Isle of Wight County Commission on Aging.

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Participants will have the opportunity to receive free flu shots and health screenings for their blood pressure, eyes, ears, nose, throat and more, organizers said.

Past events have helped people discover hidden health problems they needed to address, organizers said. One senior that came in a previous year found out his blood pressure was extremely high. He told Grace Keen, senior health fair chair, that it saved his life, event organizers said.

Along with screenings, participants will get the chance to hear speakers, including Dr. Lora Herman, vice president of medical affairs at Sentara Obici Hospital. Other opportunities for guests include getting photo identifications, registering to vote and learning about taxes and saving money, said Robertson.

Throughout the event, Glenn Boswick and the Sound of Swing Orchestra will be performing. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch, as well as get the chance to win door prizes. However, different from fairs in the past, no fashion show will take place this time around, organizers said.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased up to the date of the event from a number of locations, including at the Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation Department, 13036 Nike Park Road in Carrollton. Call 357-5959.