YMCA, Hospital Sponsor Health Expo
By Dave Greber, Middletown Journal, Ohio
Jan. 26–MIDDLETOWN — It’s the same story each year for most Americans: As the calendar flips from December to January, promises are made about losing weight, eating healthier or exercising more.
But creating a new you –Â for some –Â is a fleeting glimpse of effort, dissolving into empty promises by the time February rolls around.
Middletown Regional Hospital and the Middletown branch of the Great Miami Valley YMCA want to reverse that trend.
That’s why they’ve timed their second annual health expo for the end of January –Â right about the time people start to forget their New Year’s resolutions.
“Citing evidence that the average person keeps a health-related New Year’s resolution for only seven to 10 days, MRH and YMCA leaders came up with the idea to help people of all ages keep their wellness goals on track,” said Kevin Williams, of the hospital’s marketing department.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
The expo will offer a variety of free screenings throughout the day Saturday, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index screenings.
Last year, more than 100 people participated in the event, said Cheryl Gabe, the YMCA’s executive director. This year, the expo will include items for children as well, including free eye screenings by an optometrist.
Participants can also get free skin wellness and vision screenings, stroke assessments and a variety of healthy snack. And, because the event coincides with the YMCA’s January membership campaign, those in attendance will see demonstrations about the facility’s fitness programs. Information will also be available on weight management, stress reduction and smoking cessation.
Live entertainment will be provided by the 40-member Wee Too Children’s Choir of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
HOW TO GO
–What: New Year, New Year Health and Wellness Expo
–When: 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday
–Where: Middletown branch of the Great Miami Valley YMCA, 1020 Manchester Ave.
–Info: Call the YMCA at (513) 422-9622
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Copyright (c) 2007, Middletown Journal, Ohio
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