Published: Oct 06, 2019 10:30 AM
Although Saturday, September 28, marked the 26th time that the town held its annual Newtown Health Fair, it was the first time that the well-attended free event was staged at the Newtown Community Center.
The more than 40 exhibitors who attended the event to display and discuss their specialties were positioned in a large function room at the community center, which opened to the public in July. For the past three years, the event was held at Read Intermediate School. For more than 20 years before that, it was conducted at Newtown Middle School.
Newtown Health Director Donna Culbert said the community center room was a good setting for the event. “I think it was great... The exhibitors were really happy. The visitors were really happy,” she said.
People attending were able to get flu shots from the Bethel and Newtown visiting nurse associations. The event also featured health screenings on blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, foot disorders, glucose levels, maternal depression, posture, spinal condition, skin cancer, venous conditions, and vision quality.
People who attended walked about the large room holding on to a variety of brochures, news article reprints, and complimentary gifts provided by the many exhibitors.
Through the fair, people were able to learn about a wide range of health-related topics, including Lyme disease, foot care, dentistry, ambulance service, the needs of senior citizens, chiropractic, and nursing, among many others.
For the first time, the Newtown Health Fair was held September 28 in the Community Room of the New Community Center at Fairfield Hills.
These seven people were involved in organizing the 26th Annual Newtown Health Fair, which was held on Saturday, September 28, at Newtown Community Center. From left are Joan Santucci of Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, Anna Wiedemann of Newtown Visiting Nurse Association, Donna Culbert of the Newtown Health District; Dr Della Schmid, a local chiropractor; Chelsea Preneta of Newtown Prevention Council; Matt Ariniello, director, Newtown Community Center; and Newtown Human Services Director Natalie Jackson.
Newtown’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was represented at the Health Fair by, from left, Michael McCabe, Debbie Aurelia Halstead, and Neil Chaudhary.
Newtown Police Department was represented at the health fair by two police officers and a member of the police cadets, which is a youth group. From left is Patrol Officer Robert Haas, Cadet Zachary Fuchs, and Patrol Officer William Hull.
Newtown Police Patrol Officer Maryhelen McCarthy provided information to fairgoers on Alzheimer’s disease. Ofc McCarthy explained the use of a purple heart-shaped symbol that alerts emergency responders that a person who lives in a home has the disease.
Bruce Walczak, left, and Neil Randle, both of Newtown Lions Club, explained to the public the programs that the organization sponsors with the goals of improving and preserving human vision.
Dr Joseph Young, an optometrist, demonstrates how a handheld electronic device can be used to swiftly screen young children for a variety of eye disorders. The device, known as a SPOT vision screener, which is used in Lions Club programs, simplifies and expedites eye testing.
The Danbury Nurses Registry was represented at the health fair by Samantha Canfield, left, and Kristie Rodriguez.
Porco’s Karate Academy had representatives at the health fair to demonstrate the value of karate. Jacob Lujanac wore a costume in which he portrayed Donatello, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Posed with Donatello, from left, are James Hillefeld, Stephen Jarvis, Paige Hillefeld, and Gavin Galipault. —Bee Photos, Gorosko
