Parish hosts health fair

People sometimes attend church in search of spiritual healing, but those who visit St. Ambrose parish in Latham on March 28 may learn how they can experience physical healing instead.

The parish is hosting a free Community Health Fair with numerous community agency displays, including a mobile mammography van from Bellevue Women's Hospital and free health screening for cholesterol and diabetes, offered by Seton Health System.

St. Ambrose parish has coordinated similar events in previous years, but this year's event is open to the community and features a wider range of healthcare experts and services, according to Nancy Acemoglu, RN, parish nurse.

Variety of topics

People who attend the health fair can learn about such topics as heart disease and stroke, respiratory therapy, cancer, ophthalmology, mental health, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, and physical therapy.

They also can speak with pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies, eldercare attorneys, representatives from The Eddy, and fitness experts from Gold's Gym and ABC Fitness.

Health won't be the only aspect of the fair, though; several area restaurants and businesses have donated gift certificates that will be given away as door prizes. There also will be refreshments, entertainment, and displays by local police and fire departments, including a fire truck.

Meeting a need

The Community Health Fair began taking shape when Mrs. Acemoglu helped a family in which someone needed a mammogram but couldn't afford it. She explored the possibility of mammography exams being given at the parish and was pleased to learn about a state grant that enabled women without insurance to receive free mammograms through hospitals' mobile mammography vans. Rev. Francis DuBois, pastor, gave his approval for exams to be offered at the parish.

While making the necessary arrangements, Mrs. Acemoglu contacted Seton Health System to see if more services could be offered. The response has been overwhelming, not only from Seton and Bellevue but also from others in the health care community and from several parishioners who aren't in the medical field who volunteered to help.

"Everyone was so open to it," Mrs. Acemoglu said. "It just keeps growing."

Volunteers

Among those who have agreed to lend a hand are families that Mrs. Acemoglu has helped during her nine years as parish nurse. "These people have come back to me and said, 'We want to help you.' It's so touching," she said.

Father DuBois is delighted that so many health care experts are willing to offer their services for free. "The medical profession has come together to give their time and talent to the community," he said.

People attending the event won't just be given physical examinations or screenings; they'll also learn how to make changes in their lifestyle and take better care of themselves. For example, if someone is given a cholesterol test and is shown to have an unusually high level, a dietitian can answer questions and suggest ways for that person to reduce his or her cholesterol level.

With St. Ambrose hosting such an event, people should feel a certain comfort about speaking with physicians and healthcare experts, said Mrs. Acemoglu, because "there's something safe about coming to a parish. There's a trust."

(The Community Health Fair will be held at St. Ambrose parish in Latham on March 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The mobile mammography van will return to St. Ambrose on April 28 to accommodate those who don't receive exams during the health fair itself.)

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