Annual Family Health Fair Promotes Wellbeing

The Loma Linda University Health division presented their second annual Family Health Fair last Sunday with a new twist. In addition to having over 50 booths offering free and/or reduced-price medical services, the university said that a 5K run will now be added to all future annual Family Health Fair events. Inside the Drayson Center, families visited multiple booths offering health screenings for weight, blood pressure, sight, and hearing checks. The LLUMC also offered free blood-work screenings to those who were willing to donate two tubes of blood for medical research. For those who were not interested in blood donations, the blood tests were done at a reduced cost. With the winter season quickly approaching, those over the age of three had the chance to obtain free flu shots on a first come, first served basis. For the younger attendees, carnival games were scattered among the medical booths to entertain the children while parents informed themselves about the various medicals services offered by the LLU Medical/Health Division. At the center of the fair, clowns encouraged children to get active with physical activities. One booth offered coloring books depicting vital organs such as the heart and kidneys to teach children the importance of taking care of their bodies and health. Not only did LLU offer their own services, but the medical center also invited outside organizations to offer their services. The Walmart Vision Center offered free contact lens solution, along with affordable packages for vision exams. Loma Linda University health departments present included pediatrics, pharmacy, neurology, the cancer center, the diabetes center, the behavioral medicine center, plastic surgery, neurosurgery and dentistry. At the carnival center stage, Chef Cory Gheen gave live demonstrations of quick and simple recipes for a healthier lifestyle. Gheen studied at The Culinary Institute of America in New York with a focus on vegetarian cuisine. He has completed a master’s degree in nutrition and will soon be starring in the upcoming television show “Food Works" produced by LLU. Two years ago the LLU Health division created their LIVE IT campaign with the goal of sharing knowledge and empowering the community to pursue a healthier lifestyle. They hope that the campaign motivates the community to implement the principles of wholeness and embrace a balanced life that integrates mind, body, and spirit. The Loma Linda University Health division has combined their academic, clinical, and research programs in the hopes to better serve the community in achieving overall wellness. They have dedicated themselves to promoting health and discovering new ways “to make man whole," the motto they work by.