Second Elam Baptist hosts first Senior Health Fair

Second Elam Baptist Church in Lanexa hosted its first Senior Health Fair on Oct. 28.

The church generously provided the space for the event, and Nora Allen, a member of the congregation, organized an educational and fun event that encouraged seniors 55 and older to take responsibility for their own health and maturing needs.

More than 40 sponsors participated including Al Washington, Dallas, Texas; Ronald Washington, Severn, Md.; Dorothy Rodgers RN, Louisville, Ky; Dr. and Mrs. Russell Busch, Richmond; Harwood & Associates, Quinton; C&F Bank, West Point; Dr. Allan Schultz, Quinton; Dr. Johnston, Norge; Janet Macon, Rockville, Md.; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith, Lanham, Md.; Stanley Otey Jr., Joseph Murray, Betty Carter, Providence Forge; Kathie Hewitt, Lanexa; Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Mills, Barhamsville; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Seeterlin, Lanexa; Bloomers, Lanexa; Ukrop’s, Williamsburg; Mary Kay, Pauline Miller, Quinton; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wallace, Lanexa; Atlantic Growers, The Hair Cottage, and A Wild Bunch Florist, Providence Forge; Sherri Crocker, HMRH, Richmond; Dr. Sam English, Margeaux’s, West Point; Hidden Brook Farm, Toano; Davis Produce, Lanexa, West Point Pharmacy; Perfect Touch Boutique, New Kent; Fred Balmer, NKES; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Jones, Newport News; LaFon’s, The Loft Spa, Quinton; Carl and Gwen Lightfoot, Washington D.C.; BayLands Federal Credit Union, Wyatt Ogg, West Point; McDonald’s West Point and Toano; Srikanth Mahavadi DPM, Providence Forge.

The event began with breakfast donated by sponsors. Everyone received door prizes donated by local merchants.

Megan Cordova, a registered dietician, encouraged education in reading food labels, understanding ingredients, portion sizes, use of vitamins, and negative effects of sugar and sodas.

Chaplain Joe Marhefka from Sentara Hospital contributed his expertise with the Living Will procedure. He distributed brochures with instructions and stressed importance of having written instructions to assist family members.

New Kent EMS explained the AED Defibrillator which sends an electrical shock to the heart. They provided locations where the instruments are available in case of an emergency and also provided safety procedures for dealing with heating systems, emergency procedures for fires, what to do in the event of grease fires, and the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

On behalf of Mrs. Allen, she would like to extend her sincere appreciation to all those who assisted with the event.

Submitted by Kathie Hewitt and David Cuthrell