University of Denver held the 9News Health Fair Sunday morning, playing host to a slow but steady rush of people while celebrating overall general health and information.
The health fair celebrated health and awareness by having a myriad of testing available for a low cost. Some of the testing included diabetes, vision, bone density, breast and pap examinations and blood tests.
“It helps save on cost,” explained Hayle Bernstein, a DU alumnus and visitor of the health fair for a second consecutive year. When Bernstein came to the fair last year she had her bone density checked. She didn’t pass the test, so she had a have a follow-up, which resulted in a changed diet with an increase in calcium increase and weight-bearing exercises. “It helps you know about situations. I’m grateful,” she said.
As for the testing, “people just love it,” according to volunteer Cornelia Nelson, a student at Red Rocks Community College. “It is a great thing to do for community especially when health insurance isn’t just a given anymore, but a luxury,” Nelson said. Nelson drew blood at the health fair. “For $30 it’s a great opportunity. Usually it’s so expensive.”
Chystal Currie, a second-year visitor of the health fair, said that she goes to get screenings that her doctors don’t normally offer her.
“Plus, they offer the screenings for a low cost, and everyone is really nice and helpful,” Currie said.
The fair also included a number of information booths from a variety of organizations across the country. The booths provided information ranging from what to do when someone has a stroke to dealing with overeating.
“I think it’s great for everyone to get their message out,” said Geoff Simon of the Parkinson’s Association.
“It’s important for everyone to get all the literature they need to get the information they need,” he said. Simon got involved with the association after his dad got diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago.
Simon stressed the importance of education and awareness. “We provide direct services to patients and their families,” he said.
At the Alcoholics Anonymous information booth, members told visitors that “knowledge is power.” AA worker Elaine, who wished to use only her first name, said that too many people are reluctant about admitting a problem with alcohol.
“There is nothing to be ashamed of,” Elaine said. Alcoholics Anonymous provides general information on the disease for that very reason, she said. Alcoholism affects hundreds of thousands of lives each year, but people often find it hard to admit the problem.
“It is a disease of denial,” said Elaine. “It is a hard thing to admit whether you are 17 or 70.”
Even though people of all ages are affected by the disease, she thinks getting the information out to students is essential, bringing up the recent deaths on Colorado campuses.
“If we can prevent one more death in a dorm, then it’s worth it.”
That’s the same message the Suicide Prevention Intervention Network echoed at the health fair. Bob Burnside, who works for the organization, got involved 17 years ago when his teenage daughter killed herself.
“We have to know how to approach people and look for warning signs,” he said. His main objective for working at the fair is educating the public. Colorado is fifth in the nation for the number of suicides, mostly a result of mental health issues, said Burnside.
He said that if you think you know someone who may be suffering from depression, you should approach them.
“It is a promise or secret that cannot be kept,” Burnside explained.
A recurring theme to the health fair was awareness. The Overeaters Anonymous organization were also spreading the message of knowledge.
“This program saved my life,” said Shana, a bulimic who constantly ate to try to fill a void in her life. “It was my drug.”
“The program is based on the 12 steps of AA,” Shana said. Another Overeaters Anonymous member, Brianna, said the program involves “trying to learn how to deal with feelings without stuffing yourself with food. It involves spirituality.”
