More than 200 senior citizens got free health-related screenings and medical tips at a seminar at the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School in Oak Lawn.
“Senior citizens (gained) knowledge from experts in the fields of health, safety and well-being related topics at the event,” said Julie Miller, executive director of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, a sponsor of the event. “This was a place where seniors could go to find out resources that are available to them on a day-to-day basis.”
During the free Senior Health and Safety Expo earlier this month, seniors were provided information of variety of health-related products, services and safety tips. More than 35 health-related vendors participated at the expo, including Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak, Little Company of Mary in Evergreen Park, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center, Oak Lawn Foot and Ankle, Cusack Insurance Agency in Oak Lawn and Homewatch Caregivers.
Seniors learned about how to avoid falling, diabetes, foot care, Veteran Administration benefits, police safety and health home alert systems.
There also were a variety of health screenings, including some for blood pressure and balance.
“I participated in a lot of the free screenings that were offered here today,” said Gale Mandel, of Oak Lawn. “I really like everything they have available to us all under one roof.”
The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce has been hosting the event since 2000, Miller said. The chamber sponsored the event with the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123, the Oak Lawn Community Partnership and the Village of Oak Lawn.
“It started out as just a health fair not a safety expo,” Miller said. “The two topics have been combined to provide more services to senior citizens in our local communities.”
The event was moved this year to Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, 5345 W. 99th St., after being held at the Oak Lawn Senior Center, 5220 W. 105th St., for the past 15 years.
“We were approached by the school to see if we would like to host it there because it was a larger location and we could have more vendors and also include other things such as breakout sessions and educational sessions,” Miller said. “It gave residents the opportunity to see what businesses are available to them in their community. Vendors had a chance to meet and greet residents as well as networking with other business in the community. A lot of vendors were available in one place for simple and convenient one-stop shopping.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.