Entering its third year now, the Geauga County Senior Health and Wellness Fair continues to gain more and more traction.
Entering its third year now, the Geauga County Senior Health and Wellness Fair continues to gain more and more traction.
With a strong uptick in attendance last year (about 240 people) versus the year before, Diane Gorom, active older adult coordinator for the Geauga Family YMCA, is excited for what this year’s fair will bring.
“My role as the active older adult coordinator here at the Geauga YMCA is to help seniors maintain their overall health and well being. This health and wellness fair is just one of the ways I can help seniors do just that,” she said. “With the help of my partners, Dawn Damante, from University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, and Annette Smith, owner of FirstLight Homecare, I believe we have gathered 30 vendors who really focus on senior wellness.”
The event, held 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 2 at the YMCA gymnasium, 12460 Bass Lake Road, Munson Township, is free and open to the public (including non-YMCA members), but will be focused on those 55 years old and older, Gorom said.
“This event has been so successful because it puts folks in front of services they may not otherwise know about and letting them see what local Health and Wellness services and products are available in Geauga County,” said Smith. “FirstLight will be offering a caregiver burnout evaluation and offering suggestions for help from us and other services in the county. We also will be raffling off a great basket of fall treats.”
She added seniors and the adult child should attend to connect with current services, learn about new offerings in the county and have a chance to get a personal “tune up” from University Hospitals.
“University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center will be offering cholesterol and Glucose screenings, blood pressures and body mass index, as well as stroke risk assessments and balance screenings provided by the UH Geauga therapy team,” said Damante, business development and senior outreach coordinator for UH Geauga.
For her, connecting with the seniors in the county and introducing them to the many unknown resources the county has to offer is what is most rewarding to her about the event.
“(The fair is an) excellent opportunity for our seniors to take advantage of the free screenings and to know your health numbers,” she said. “This is a value to our seniors in the community and an excellent way to network and be engaged with one another.”
Some seniors, like Carl Lemponen, from Burton, really “like all of the free stuff” given out at the fair, while others, like Jinny Goebelbecker, of Chester Township, just enjoy learning more about how to be proactive with their health.
“This health fair is a great opportunity to gather information, talk to people, and learn new ways to stay healthy,” she said.
Joanna Orichella, of Newbury Township, added, “Their free health screenings help me to maintain optimal health. The selection of vendors are tailored to the needs of seniors and are located in the community for easier accessibility.”
Gorom said at this year’s event:
- YMCA Massage Therapists will be offering free mini massages and body work as well as Rock Kinesiology Taping;
- Kellis Eye Center and Maple Leaf Optical will be doing free eye glasses adjustments and giving out free eye drops;
- Heinens Wellness Center in Chardon will be handing out samples of superfood snacks and drinks as well as providing information on upcoming wellness events in their store;
- Mary Kay representative Linn Keyes-Walker will be offering “Satin Hands Pampering” and “handcials” and will be introducing Vitamin C Squares;
- The Geauga County Sherriff’s Office will have information on the drop box in their lobby for unwanted prescription drug disposal;
- Osteostrong will be doing free bone density scans and giving a coupon for two complimentary visits;
- Terry’s Shoes Foot Care Center will have a pedorthist on hand to answer questions about feet;
- Sages Apples Fruit Farm & Market in Chardon will donate 250 free apples to hand out;
- And Medicare Advisors of Ohio will offer information and advice on how to save money on healthcare during this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
“Seniors will again get to experience what a Silver Sneaker class is like here at the Y,” Gorom added. “ Melanie Vitale, a Silver Sneaker certified instructor, will be here to teach the sample classes at 9:30 (a.m.) and 10:30 (a.m.). Each sample class will last about a half hour and will use chairs for support as well as weights, balls and elastic bands.”
Vitale added: “Silver Sneaker classes are open to all Y members even if they aren’t members under the Silver Sneaker program. Classes are designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living.”
At the end of the day, Gorom hopes seniors leave the fair feeling like “they have hit the health information jackpot and are thrilled with all the new things they have learned and received.”
Damante added she hopes they feel a sense of well-being and a connection with the community.
“I look forward to this event every year and UH strives to provide education and fellowship for our seniors,” she said. “This collaborative event will offer the opportunity to sign up for the free Age Well Be Well club membership through University Hospitals.”
Other vendors bringing information and/or free services include: Morris Chiropractic, Holly’s Hearing Aid Center, Geauga County Transit, Geauga County Department on Aging, Precision Orthopaedic, United Way Services of Geauga County, a YMCA nutritionist, Destination Geauga, Geauga County Public Library, Beltone, Center for Advanced Vein Care, the Geauga County Farm Bureau, Alzheimer’s Association, Michael Wagner (an attorney), Geauga County Veterans Services, Roediger Chiropractic, Sustainawell and Bathfitters.
