Newtown’s Annual Health Fair Turning 18, Everyone Is Invited

By John Voket

“Your health is important — make it a priority.”

This message comes straight from the organizers of Newtown’s 18th Annual Public Safety and Health Fair, which is happening Saturday, September 24, at Newtown Middle School. The event runs from 10 am to 2 pm.

This free community event offers numerous free health screenings, including vision, skin cancer, posture, cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as dozens of health care providers, wellness providers, fitness experts, and public safety representatives who will be there to share and demonstrate ways to keep residents safe and healthy. 

“There will be lots of free giveaways and free drawings,” said Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert. “It’s a unique and valuable opportunity for residents of all ages and health status.” 

Ms Culbert told The Newtown Bee that the 40-plus exhibitors and free health screening stations this year will include Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups, American Red Cross, Ann’s Place–The Home of I Can, Aqua Environmental Lab, Bethel Visiting Nurse Association with blood pressure screening, and the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown.

Also represented will be The Children’s Adventure Center, Connecticut Tick Control, Curtis H. Beck, Danbury Hospital, Dawn A. Bogdan, DDS, Dr Cayer’s Health and Wellness Center with chiropractic and nutrition screening, Dr Della M. Schmid with posture and use of electronics/cell/texting screening, and the Families Network of Western CT, Inc.

The Foundation for Wellness Professionals with osteoporosis screening, blood pressure screening, Impact Health offering cholesterol screening, InnerSpaces by Karen with yoga therapy, Newtown Conservation Commission, Newtown fire companies, Newtown Foot Care Group, and the Health District will also be represented.

The Newtown Lions Club will offer vision screening, Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force, Newtown Parks and Recreation, Newtown Police Department, Newtown Prevention Council, Newtown Visiting Nurse Association, Newtown Public Works Department, Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC with blood pressure screening and chair massage, and Popowich Chiropractic & Acupuncture will be there with posture and stress screening

Also, Porco’s Karate Academy, Senior Helpers, Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the US Department of Labor–OSHA, Urgent Care of Connecticut, Voices for Joanie, William A. Notaro, MD, with skin cancer screening, and Z Place for Fitness round out the list of health fair participants.

The event will also include a food drive for the Salvation Army Food Pantry at Newtown Social Services. 

“Many individuals and families are feeling the effects of these difficult economic times, even here in Newtown,” Ms Culbert said. “It is more important than ever that we do whatever we can, however large or small our effort to help our neighbors.” 

Social Services assistant Ann Benore said items like rice, canned potatoes, tuna, macaroni and cheese, pasta, stuffing, dry milk, cake mixes, gelatin, beans (kidney, cannelloni, etc), peanut butter, pancake mix, oatmeal, syrup, and school snacks are always needed.

She said there are also a number of things the food pantry critically needs, including canned tomatoes, canned fruit, soups, pork and beans, beef stew, jelly, cereal, and drinks/juice boxes.

The Bethel Visiting Nurse Association will also be providing flu shots. And to promote healthy activity, Ms Culbert said there would be a grand prize raffle of a bicycle from the Bicycle Goodie Shop of Bethel, sponsored by the Newtown Prevention Council.

“We have several dozen professional and volunteer representatives that care about Newtown residents’ health and safety and are spending their time to share their knowledge and expertise,” Ms Culbert said. “I hope Newtown residents can take advantage of this free opportunity to learn about and improve their lives, and the lives of the people they love.”