"Goofy" annual health event to be a real Mickey Mouse activity

Sarah Cummins

10/11/2001 12:00:00 AM

Although the healing powers of modern medicine may seem magical, area wellness departments will explore the reality of medicine at an upcoming fair.

The 16th Annual Health Fair is slated to take place on Oct. 30 at the Tribal Operations Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year's theme is "Enter the Magic Kingdom of Health." The staff from various departments setting up booths are encouraged to dress up as Disney characters.

"We always like to have something catchy and positive for the health fair to get people to come in," stated Diabetic Educator Tammy House, RN, about the theme.

"Join Us in the Healthy Pumpkin Patch" was the 2000 fair's focus with the 1999 theme as "Journey into a Healthy Millennium."

The event, coordinated by House and other staff members of the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center, will feature booths representing health-related departments and businesses not only from the Tribal community but the Mt. Pleasant community as well. Last year's activities attracted 55 vendors and over 800 participants.

Along with the informational booths, free services will be offered at the health fair, including cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, blood pressure checks and tuberculosis testing. Flu and tetanus shots may also be available at the event. However, this will depend on the availability of the vaccines.

"We want people to be aware of what programs we have not only for Tribal members but for the community at large," explained House. "We also want to promote healthy lifestyles and give them what opportunities are available."

While keeping a fun atmosphere in mind, participants will be given a free lunch, giveaways and door prizes. The booth attendants will take part in a costume contest keeping in mind the event's theme. A prize will be awarded to the vendor with the best costume and best display.

Women's Health Coordinator Tina McPhall said she plans to dress up in a "Tigger" costume she made herself.

"I'm expecting the health fair to be informative and a lot of fun, because of the Disney theme," said McPhall. "A lot of work and planning has been put into it."

For more information, call (989) 775-4612 or (989) 775-4654.