HEALTHY CROWD ATTTENDS HEALTHCARE FAIR IN LA MESA

By Marisa Kezirian June 16, 2009 (La Mesa) –“At last year’s fair, I found out that my blood pressure was off the charts, and it saved my life,” said Mike Cully, San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “This is truly an important event—and if we can help keep one more person alive and in the working world, then we know we have done our job, and we are very satisfied.” Cully shared his insights during the Chamber’s 9th annual summer Healthcare Fair at in La Mesa on Saturday, June 11th, where free health screenings and information were offered to the public. This year’s fair, which featured more than 50 booths, was co-sponsored by Grossmont Healthcare District, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, and Grossmont Center, where the event took place.

Screenings included diabetes, blood pressure, and stroke prevention. In addition, the fair provided free information regarding nutrition, body fat, ear wax, hand problems, laser eye surgery, chiropractic, sleeping disorders, acupuncture, osteoporosis, home safety, herbal supplements, fitness, hospice care, health insurance,senior housing, home care services, nutrition services, volunteer opportunities, and careers in medicine.

Cully was very pleased with the Healthcare Fair’s turnout, which he said was much improved over last year, with a better turnout due to the cooler climate and the decrease in traffic. “There is a two-fold purpose for this Healthcare Fair,” stated Cully. “First off, it is good exposure for the vendors, as it helps them inform the public and let them know that their business is out there to help. And secondly, it is a great educational experience for those who attend,” he added, citing health screenings and free information available.

“Our mission and goal of the Healthcare Fair is to address the unmet healthcare needs in our community,” said Barry Jantz, CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District. “The fair provides the community with the education that they may not know or be aware of, and here they are able to learn about new opportunities in healthcare. Many people who can’t afford health screenings are able to benefit, and if we can provide people, even if it’s only five, with a health screening, then we have in some way helped and saved lives.”

Among the many vendors at the Healthcare Fair, was Sharp Senior Resource Center, which provides free education classes and healthcare screening for the public, in addition to many programs and services for seniors. There are numerous types of screenings that are available; some include hearing, breathing, and strokes. There are also education classes for physicians, nurses, and physical therapists.

“We work on trying to keep people healthy and well through education and emotional support,” said Andrea Holmberg, the program coordinator for the Senior Resource Center. “There are no qualifications required, we just aim to try and catch folks ahead of time, before it becomes a real crisis. We just want seniors to know where to turn, and that there are resources available to them, because many people are unaware of the risk factors that are out there.”

Another important vendor at the Fair was Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, which provides in-home care for seniors. Some of the services that are provided by the Visiting Angels are: Up to 24 hour care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping, and affordable hourly rates. “It is so important to acknowledge the fact that we keep our seniors physically fit and thriving through exercise and joyful companionship” said Sheri Malvestuto, Director of Visiting Angels. “Their health and well-being are so crucial and we take pride and joy in educating our seniors first and making sure they remain active and vital in the community.”

Malvestuto dedicates her time by doing extensive volunteer work as she spends her weekends calling her homebound clients, making sure they are doing well, and are satisfied with their caregivers. “All our caregivers go through background checks and are experienced and have the right attitude,” she said. “We pride ourselves in matching our clients with the caregiver whom they feel most comfortable with.” Visiting Angels also works with the Burn Institute, Fire Department, and the Police Department in helping educate seniors, and she has her own column in the magazine San Diego Women, entitled “Ask an Angel.”

Malvestuto began her business after her husband became ill, and she soon became devoted to not only helping him, but helping others as well. “When you are feeling sorry for yourself, the best medicine is helping others,” she concluded.” It has to be about how your business makes a difference in the community; it is so important. Our program truly instills confidence in people and motivates them, because fear is what keeps them at home. The main goal of Visiting Angels is to keep the vessel that carries the spirit alive.”

Marisa Kezirian is a student at San Diego State University and an intern with East County Magazine.