507 Health Fair
February 3, 2007
GOOD AND GOOD FOR YOU: 507 HEALTH FAIR
From diabetes to literacy, Centre 507’s health fair gave more than 200 participants a chance to find out about valuable local social services.
Twenty-one agencies set up at last June’s fair, which featured a barbecue and prizes to add fun and flair to the day. Once on site, participants explored ways to improve not only their physical health but also their general well-being — steps toward turning lives around.
To enter the draw for a bicycle, participants completed a bingo card, answering questions specific to the services provided by the agencies.
“Participants had to go around and talk to the agencies to find out the answers,” said Centre 507 Life Management Skills Worker Margaret Johnson, who organized the fair. “The agencies said the bingo cards encouraged much more interaction with participants than normally happens at such events.”
Organizations at the fair ranged from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Alcoholics Anonymous, to the Elizabeth Fry Society and the John Howard Society.
“We really want to reach people who need the service. This is ideal,” said Maureen McGovern of the Ottawa Community Coalition for Literacy.
“I had three people admit that they have some difficulty [with reading and writing], which is good, because often people won’t admit that. Once people get to a program, they’re usually fine. They realize there are others like them.”
Dental hygienists from the clinic at Algonquin College handed out toothbrushes, toothpaste and information on getting financial help for dental care.
“Promoting healthy gums and teeth can save a lot in the long term — dentistry, pain, even heart disease,” said Janna Leblanc. There is mounting evidence that bacteria shed by chronic oral infections can spread to the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease.
Taking steps now to prevent worse problems later was also one of the messages at the Centretown Community Health Centre booth, where participants could be tested on the spot for diabetes or high blood pressure.
“A lot of people don’t have a regular GP to check for diabetes or high blood pressure,” said Charlene Sayre, the diabetes program nurse at the booth. “If you test positive, there are steps you can take.”
Copies of all handouts given away at the fair are kept at Centre 507, so staff can continue to help participants connect with the services they need.
