When Diane Gorom first dreamed of holding a health and wellness event focused solely on the senior population in and around Geauga County, she did not anticipate how much it would grow.
When Diane Gorom first dreamed of holding a health and wellness event focused solely on the senior population in and around Geauga County, she did not anticipate how much it would grow.
Starting with 22 vendors in 2015, the Geauga Family YMCA’s Senior Health and Wellness Fair has expanded to hosting 36 vendors this year.
The event, held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 at the Geauga Family YMCA, 12460 Bass Lake Road in Munson Township, is free to the public and will offer screenings, health information, samples, freebies and goods for purchase, said Gorom, active older adult coordinator for the Geauga Family YMCA.
“I’m passionate about helping seniors stay active, healthy and connected. One of the ways I do that is by organizing events like our upcoming health and wellness fair,” she said. “This event brings together a variety of vendors who are all dedicated to supporting seniors. You’ll find health screenings, information on local services, free samples and giveaways and products to purchase.”
Gorom likes to call the event a “one-stop-shop” for all things health-related.
“Admission is free and the fair is open to the entire community,” Gorom said. “Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, or just someone interested in wellness, we welcome you to join us.”
Like past years, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is co-hosting the fair, with Amanda Rowan, a registered nurse with UHGMC, expressing excitement at joining forces with Gorom.
“This event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with older adults and provide essential resources, education and health screenings,” Rowan said. “It’s an event you won’t want to miss. UH Geauga will be offering glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, as well as preventative risk assessments and balance and grip screenings. Additionally, UH clinical pharmacy specialists will be on hand to answer questions about medication management, side effects and safe usage practices.”
Sue Lundstrom, from Russell Township, has attended the fair every year and said she always gets something out of it.
“I enjoy every part of it,” she said. “We are very fortunate that the Geauga YMCA provides us this great opportunity.”
The health screenings are the main draw for Burton resident Marie Umholtz.
“And of course, who doesn’t enjoy the free giveaways,” she quipped.
New vendors this year include a representative from L’Bri Pure n’ Natural, a Wisconsin-based company that sells Aloe-infused products, including skin care, hair care, pain relief cream and other health and wellness items, Gorom said.
OsteoStrong Chardon will also be on hand to provide information on services and what insurance covers them, as well as help attendees with osteoporosis have stronger bones and better balance, she said, adding they will raffle off a free month and a free REMS scan, which is an ultrasound that looks at the exterior and interior bone.
Other new vendors include:
- Geauga Cleaning and Organizing in Chardon, which will provide information on their services, rates, products and will book free in-home cleaning estimates;
- Home Instead, of Mentor, which will provide information on age-in-place options and handing out healthy recipes;
- Four-Legged Scholars in Middlefield, providing information on dog training classes and free advice from a dog trainer;
- A representative from AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offering information on volunteer work in the community;
- A representative from Guardant Health who will be doing a blood test called “Shield,” which is the first FDA-approved blood test to screen for colorectal cancer that is also covered by Medicare, Gorom said.
“So, attendees can be screened for colon cancer at this fair and at no charge to them,” she said, adding attendees would just need to provide their Medicare information.
“There was a nice variety of vendors last year with some great information,” Nancy Wolf, of Painesville, said about last year’s senior health and wellness fair, which drew 350 attendees.
“I also really loved the jar of honey I purchased from D’s B’s Honey,” she added.
Mark Bonhard, of Newbury Township, missed last year’s event but said he is looking forward to attending this year’s fair.
Gorom once again thanked Sage’s Apples, of Chardon, for donating 300 free apples to hand out and to CCM Rental for donating 25 tables to be used for the vendors.
“Their generosity is greatly appreciated,” she said.
Returning Vendors
Returning vendors to this year’s Senior Health and Wellness Fair include: Second Sole, Heinen’s, D’s B’s Honey, Chardon Integrated Wellness, Mar-Lou Shoes, Geauga County Veterans Services, Geauga County Sherriff’s Office, Services for Independent Living, Geauga Public Library, Geauga Farm Bureau, Geauga County Department on Aging, a representative from the Alzheimers Association, Haas Healthcare Solutions, Dennis Atkins Independent Medicare Agent, Pescara Plumbing, Claudia Brown Esq., Geauga Park District, TruBlue Home Service Ally, Captel, Care Patrol, Sounds of Life Hearing Center, Alert Medical Care, United Way, Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, Ohio Walk-In Showers, MT Home Repair and Senior Medicare Patrol.
