Fair attracts the health-conscious

It was a summer-like Saturday morning, but a “Flu Shot” sign beckoned people indoors to think about their health.

Flu shots were only one of the services offered by more than 30 health care providers during the first annual health fair hosted by U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R- 6th District, last Saturday in the gymnasium of Westfield Middle School in Bloomingdale.

“It’s an opportunity for us to bring together health care providers and to give constituents a chance to go where they’re all together,” stated Matt Vriesema, Roskam’s press secretary.

Roskam attended the health fair as visitors talked with health care representatives, gathered literature and received services such as massages, blood pressure tests and spinal screenings.

Some of the providers who attended the fair included many not-for-profit research organizations such as the American Cancer Society, local hospitals and medical centers and government departments and agencies. LifeSource was also on hand to collect blood donations.

The “Help is Here Express” bus of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a program sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, parked outside the gymnasium, offering to help the uninsured find programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.

M.J. Fingland, senior director of public affairs for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, said the bus tour, which has gone to all 50 states since April 2005, has helped 406,000 people in Illinois get their prescriptions. A total of 218 Illinois residents assisted were from Bloomingdale.

Health fairs are a common venue for the bus tour, she added.

Representatives from Chiro One Wellness Centers attended the fair to provide spinal screenings for participants.

“We want to make sure everyone’s spine is clear,” said Dr. Kristen Van De Carr, clinic director of the Chiro One Wellness Center location in Bloomingdale. “We’re looking for subluxation: interference with the nervous system which decreases health quality.”

 Chris Savaiano of Bloomingdale said he stopped by to pick up literature.

“I wanted to get information for family members who are struggling with issues,” he said. 

While he was there, Savaiano also got his hearing and spine checked.