On Saturday September 26 the Anguilla Soroptimist Club held a Health Fair that included many health professionals who gave advice on healthy living and offered free tests. Doctors, nurses and several associations were present at the Health Fair, held on the grounds of the Ruthwill Auditorium.

Health fair activities in progress

Organizer of the event, Soroptimist Pamela Connor, said that the decision to hold the Health Fair was because in the current financial crisis it was felt that people needed help and advice on preventative measures as they were probably not visiting their doctor as often as previously.
A wide range of advice, tests and literature was available to visitors to the Health Fair.
Dr Rona Hodge was there to give advice on cancer prevention and recommended tests necessary for women such as pap smears and mammograms, as well as having regular colonoscopies and self breast examination. Dr Louis Bardfield gave complete eye tests that included distance and near vision checks, muscle imbalance, colour vision and horizontal field test. The Red Cross had a booth and was giving demonstrations of first aid and CPR methods. The diabetes booth was very popular where people were given blood sugar tests and blood pressure tests.

Dental surgeon, Dr Lindell Brooks, was advising on how to recognize dental diseases and the treatment necessary. He highlighted sensitive teeth and the effects, and also the effects on a person when teeth are lost. Nutrition advice was at hand from Vernice Battick, the hospital nutritionist, with models of food that is healthy and foods that should be avoided. The Anguilla Community Action Network that supports persons living with HIV/AIDS, and aims to reduce the incidence of the disease through education and outreach, had a booth at the event with advice on testing and support. Also represented were the Mental Health Association that has as its vision: integrity of mind, body and spirit is the source of healthy, happy, thriving people, families and communities. Anna Richardson spoke to visitors to her booth on the benefits of osteopathy to treat muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Margaret Ouwehand gave out leaflets on alternative wellness and gave advice to those visiting her booth.

Health fair activities in progress

One of the highlights of the day was a drum circle, held in the gazebo. Judy Guthrie led the popular event for young and old. She says that drum circles are fun and promote self-expression, reduce stress, create social interaction, build community, provide exercise for the mind, body and spirit and can be for persons of all ages. Certainly persons enjoyed the relaxation and hopefully relieved their stress as well. Many children attended the sessions throughout the day and adults took an active part.
All the advice and consultations were free of charge and the Soroptimists are grateful to the many persons who willingly gave of their time to help the community to be more aware of health problems and how to treat them.

-Press Release

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