Lizabeth and Javier Orozco of East Chicago aren’t covered by medical insurance. So when a neighbor told them about the recent Chronic Disease Fair at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, they jumped at the chance to receive all the free screenings offered.
“This (event) is great for us,” said mom Lizabeth. “Our three boys have insurance, but my husband and I don’t and can’t get to the doctor for these tests.”
The Orozco family joined hundreds of other area residents attending the fair, which has been held at the hospital for many years.
“This used to be called the Diabetes Fair, but we’ve found there are also many other serious health issues that people are dealing with, so we expanded it to include all diseases,” said public relations coordinator Khisha Anderson. “We changed the name to Chronic Disease Fair to reflect that. We want to introduce people to the hospital’s services and also listen to the needs of the community.”
Last year’s fair welcomed 180 people. In the middle of this year’s fair, it looked like that number would be exceeded.
“There are so many reasons I like this fair every year,” King Martin of East Chicago said. “The free tests are nice, but I also pick up a big number of handouts, booklets and other information. I don’t have a lot of these health problems or diseases, but many of my friends do. I share my information with them.”
Free testing covered blood pressure, cholesterol, balance and strength, body mass index and bone density.
Gene and Paula Hauprich of Hammond also are repeat visitors to the Chronic Disease Fair.
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“We all need to take care of our health, especially as we get older,” Gene said, as his wife was getting a bone density test. “I just talked with physical therapist Joy Corrales and she gave tips about stretching your neck and shoulders when you first get up. Very interesting.”
In addition to the screenings and mini-physical-therapy sessions, a food demonstration also was on the day’s agenda.
St. Catherine cook Maricela Casas of the Nutrition Department discussed healthy cooking, suggesting specific recipes. Those in the audience were treated to orange honey smoothies, quinoa salad and lime-marinated chicken breast strips.
“I am a cancer survivor and I’m learning how to take better care of myself,” audience member Lillie Jones of East Chicago said as she waited for the class to begin. “This (food demonstration) is a way to give us new ideas and try different kinds of food.”
Registered dietitian Julie Santana said this was the goal she was aiming for when she coordinated the food presentation.
Also attending the demonstration was Tina Perez of East Chicago. “I have several health concerns, so I’m working on changing my diet,” she said. “I’m open to learning new ways, and this is a start.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.