Newsroom
Health Fair Serves More Than 200 Community Members
In addition to free health screenings, Rush Oak Park Hospital's annual diabetes health fair offered educational presentations and health information.
Oak Park, IL
(November 6, 2009) —
Rush Oak Park Hospital provided free health screenings to more than 200 community members at its annual diabetes health fair Friday, Oct. 30.
Phlebotomists drew blood to test cholesterol and blood sugar levels; a podiatrist screened feet; and nursing students checked blood pressure. Before heading home, community members enjoyed a free, healthy breakfast.
After having a positive experience at last year’s health fair, Berwyn resident Mattie Allen came out again this year. “I think this is a good tool for people to check on themselves,” Allen said.
In addition to the free health screenings, Rush Oak Park Hospital Registered Dietician Mary Jo Desmond, RD, LDN, led a presentation on healthy eating. It’s important for people with diabetes to watch how many carbohydrates they eat, she said, but it’s also important to watch portions and set reasonable goals.
“You want to lose weight following a healthy diet and exercise,” Desmond said. “A good, safe weight loss is one to two pounds a week.” Eat less fat and a variety of foods, she added. Don’t skip meals. Be physically active most days of the week, and find a balance between eating and exercise.
Jenie Dy got some exercise the morning of the health fair: She lives so close to Rush Oak Park Hospital that she walked there.
“It’s so convenient, I love it,” Dy said. “I don’t have any health insurance so I need to know what’s going on with my health. And the people are very nice and very accommodating.”
For more information, please contact Emily Dagostino in the Marketing and Communications Department at 708-660-3644.
Phlebotomists drew blood to test cholesterol and blood sugar levels; a podiatrist screened feet; and nursing students checked blood pressure. Before heading home, community members enjoyed a free, healthy breakfast.
After having a positive experience at last year’s health fair, Berwyn resident Mattie Allen came out again this year. “I think this is a good tool for people to check on themselves,” Allen said.
In addition to the free health screenings, Rush Oak Park Hospital Registered Dietician Mary Jo Desmond, RD, LDN, led a presentation on healthy eating. It’s important for people with diabetes to watch how many carbohydrates they eat, she said, but it’s also important to watch portions and set reasonable goals.
“You want to lose weight following a healthy diet and exercise,” Desmond said. “A good, safe weight loss is one to two pounds a week.” Eat less fat and a variety of foods, she added. Don’t skip meals. Be physically active most days of the week, and find a balance between eating and exercise.
Jenie Dy got some exercise the morning of the health fair: She lives so close to Rush Oak Park Hospital that she walked there.
“It’s so convenient, I love it,” Dy said. “I don’t have any health insurance so I need to know what’s going on with my health. And the people are very nice and very accommodating.”
For more information, please contact Emily Dagostino in the Marketing and Communications Department at 708-660-3644.
