Surprise, surprise: At midnight as 2008 dawned, I declared that this is the year I’m going to seriously get my fitness on.

I also reinforced my earlier declaration that household phenomena like empty ice cube trays and one-squared toilet paper rolls are now my buddy DK’s fault.

In between scolding DK for leaving his projects strewn about the house (again), I’m going to kick off my new fitness regimen at the Bensenville Park District’s Wellness Fair and Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday. Jan. 12.

“Everybody has all sorts of issues,” said Lauri Page, park district fitness supervisor. “All types of health questions have been posed to me over the years and I’ve gotten together a great group of trained professionals who can give people answers.”

At the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Ave., Page has compiled over 25 vendors such as the American Cancer Society, Alexian Brothers Hospital, DuPage County Health Department, DuPage County Human Services for Seniors, Veteran’s Affairs and the Arthritis Foundation.

All ages are encouraged to attend this free event featuring a variety of activities such as massage therapy, diabetic shoe fitting, antioxidant level testing, blood pressure and body fat measurements, hypnotherapy, dietitian assistance, chiropractic care and free child identification cards.

State Sen. Carole Pankau, R-23rd District, of Itasca, will also be on hand to talk health and wellness concerns with constituents.

“I’ve been in the (fitness) industry for 14 years so I have a lot of contacts, and here at the park district we are building our resources so that we can help people get healthy,” Page said. “I see so many people who don’t know what to do about this or that. Our job is to bring them solutions that will help them and their children.”

The wellness fair is the conclusion to the park district’s annual free trial week (which runs through tomorrow) where visitors are encouraged to try all of the park district’s facilities and classes for free.

Use of the fitness center during the Wellness Fair will be free and both residents and nonresidents will be offered $40 off their memberships by signing up that day.

“Money is an issue for a lot of people so we are slashing our prices to make it easier for people to get healthy,” Page said. “We also want people to know about other health and wellness services that are available to them that aren’t costly.”

The park district has pledged to donate 5 percent of the day’s membership passes and class fees to the American Cancer Society.

This is Page’s third year running the Wellness Fair and Open House. During her first year, she estimated 150 people passed through but this year she expects 450 to 500.

During the event, LifeSource will host a blood drive. The first appointment is at 9 a.m. and donors can schedule a time by dropping by the park district anytime before 3 p.m. or calling (630) 766-7015.

“We expand the Wellness Fair and Open House every year,” Page said. “It’s getting exciting because people are starting to call us to see when it is. If you’re interested in any kind of wellness or want help for any kind of health issue, then attend this fair. No matter what avenue you’re looking for advice with, you’ll walk out of here with the help you need.”

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