> Home > About Us > News/Events

April 18, 2008

Hundreds turn out for Spring Into Wellness Health Fair

Hundreds turned out for the annual Spring Into Wellness Health Fair Wednesday at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center gymnasium.

“I’ve been here before and always find it very interesting,” said Kenneth Snyder of Clyde. “If a person is smart, they will check on their health and this fair is a good chance to do that. This gives you a chance to check little things that you don’t have to go to the doctor for, such as checking your cholesterol.”

Many participants chose to check their cholesterol levels, along with their blood pressure and blood sugar level. Allergy Partners offered allergy skin tests, and Haywood Regional Medical Center’s osteoporosis department offered bone density tests.

At one station, audiologist John Smith and Donna Davis used a video otoscope to allow fair guests the opportunity to view the inside of their ears to check for wax and determine the health of their ear canal and ear drum. They also simulated hearing loss for interested participants. “We’re used to people pre-registering for other health fairs, where as many as 150 people sign up for these services. This is nice to have a slower pace. It gives us more time to talk to people,” Davis said.

There was information on nutrition, water safety, pain management, skin scope, cancer, childbirth and newborns, mental health, domestic violence, hearing loss, aging, Alzheimer’s and dance.

Marla Wengyn, a licensed massage therapist, offered guests a relaxing massage. Wengyn currently offers the service at the Waynesville Recreation Center and Maggie Valley Country Club. Dr. Michael Heller of Carolina Cancer Specialists is considering including a room at his office for the massage therapist. “Massage can help with the stress and anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Heller said.

On the other side of the gymnasium massage therapist Laura Bridges also offered free massages.

The only cost for any of the screenings and services at Wednesday’s Spring Into Wellness Health Fair was a $20 fee for the cholesterol lab work.