African-American Health Fair this Saturday in Aurora
The Kane County Health Department is encouraging participation in the fourth annual African-American Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at West Aurora High School, 1201 E. New York St., in Aurora. The fair is free and open to the public.
Participants will enjoy distinguished experts speaking on a variety of topics. Presentations, health screenings, exhibits, raffle prizes and entertainment will be provided during the day.
There will be a special guest appearance by Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Pubic Health. Arnold is scheduled to make a statement at 8:30 a.m. on Kidney Awareness Month by the kidney mobile van. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Paul Crawford, who will speak on the prevention of chronic kidney disease. Other speakers include: Lorna London to speak on stress management; Chad and Tabia Earl, certified fitness trainers from DuPage Fitness & Rehabilitation to speak on healthy eating and physical fitness; and the Rev. Julian E. Spencer from Main Baptist Church in Aurora to speak on promoting spiritual health. The emcee for the occasion will be Servant George Rayford, pastor of New Community Baptist Church.
This year, for the first time, Girl Scout Troop 761 will be hosting Children's Health Fair and will have Girl Scout patches available for participants. Health screenings will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. A 12-hour fasting is required. The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Mobile will be on-site to perform blood pressure checks and kidney screenings. Provena Mercy Medical Center will be performing glucose and cholesterol screening, and Aunt Martha's Healthcare Network Mobile Unit will conduct prostate screenings for men.
Health presentations will begin at 11 a.m. Topics include diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, fitness, nutrition, stress management and spiritual health. A continental breakfast and hot lunch will be provided, as well as lots of raffles and giveaways. For information and to RSVP, contact Toya Johnson at (630) 518-8379 or e-mail Toya_Johnson@provena.org.