Community Corner
Senior Center Health Fair Offers Blood Pressure Screenings, Nutrition Info and More
More than 40 People Attended the Event Last Week
Do you know how much sodium is in canned foods, or what your blood pressure is? Do you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, or how to prevent one?
About 40 senior citizens had the opportunity to learn these life-saving tips and other important health information recently at a health fair sponsored by the Montville Senior Center.
“Years ago, you had just one doctor and you didn’t hear all this information about blood pressure or blood sugar or anything like that,” says Nancy Tears, 77, of Montville.
Find out what's happening in Montvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
For the past 15 years, those in charge of the Senior Center have sought disseminate health information through an annual health fair, bringing together health care professionals from all over the region.
The event included interactive displays from representatives including Uncas Health District, Masonicare, Suburban Home Medical Inc. and the University of Connecticut Senior Nutrition Awareness Project.
Find out what's happening in Montvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
One display challenged seniors to guess the sodium content of several popular canned foods. The results shocked many.
“I knew there was salt in those things, but I didn’t know it was in such high amounts. I really couldn’t believe it,” says Peggy Ryan, of Montville.
The display, created by Diane Schuler of the University of Connecticut Health Center, also showed alternatives to high sodium canned goods.
“I chose to focus on sodium today because new health guidelines for sodium were recently published, and I think it’s really important that seniors know the change,” said Schuler.
Other displays provided blood pressure screenings, hearing tests, and emergency preparedness information for seniors.
Suburban Home Medical Inc. brought a selection of medical and home assistance wares, ranging from compression socks to diabetes care supplies.
The Uncas Health District distributed magnets with heart health tips and a special pocket reference guide to reading food labels.
“I think people should really come and see these health fairs. There’s so much important information here. I learned so much today,” says Carole Healy, 75, of Montville.
