Health fair memorabilia to be on display Sept. 25

This year marks a big milestone for the annual Senior Health Fair.

The fair will celebrate its 25th year next week when the annual event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at Riordan Hall.

With more than 60 vendors participating, those attending will be taking a walk down memory lane, according to Nancy Galbraith, program specialist at the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education in Bella Vista. There won't be any guest speakers at this year's fair because of the number of screenings being offered, she added.

There will be memorabilia, including picture boards with information about the first health fair, throughout the event, she said.

"To me, it's significant that the fair has continued through 25 years without an interruption," Galbraith said.

More than 1,000 people attended the first fair, and that high participation continues today, she said. More than 1,500 attended last year's event.

The fair will feature a number of screenings by vendors, Galbraith said, including: blood pressure and glucose by Highland Health Care and Rehab; dermatology by Hull Dermatology; stroke awareness and balance screening by HealthSouth; hearing by Bella Vista Hearing Center; and vision by Dr. Yoos Eye Care and Optical.

"The screenings are important because participants can find out if there is something that they need to followup with a specialist," she said. "And that's huge."

There also will be free flu shots by Cornerstone Pharmacy for those who have Medicare, TriCare or are on a federal employee plan, she said.

And most of the vendors will have goodies to give to those attending the event, she added.

Galbraith also predicted there would be some prizes to vendors for having fun with this year's theme, "Celebrating 25 Years of Healthy Aging."

The Bella Vista Resources Advisory Council, Bella Vista Property Owners Association and The Weekly Vista are the organizers of the event.

The platinum sponsors for the fair are: Dr. William Yoos, optometrist; Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics; Premier Dermatology; and the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education.

Apple Blossom, PRN Medical Services and Concordia Retirement Center are gold sponsors.

Alliance Home Health, Bella Vista Hearing Center, Better Hearing and Balance, HealthSouth, Hurley Chiropractic, Morgan Stanley and NWMC-Senior Circle are the silver sponsors

Bella Vista Courtesty Van, Caption Calls, Comfort Keepers, Corporon Insurance and Financial, Elder Law Practice of H. Todd Whatley, PLLC, Eldirect In-Home Elderly Care, Elite Home Health, Gilbertson Hearing Centers, Lifetime Wellness, NanoPac Inc., One Courageous Life Inc., Senior Transition of NWA and Village Insurance Inc. are bronze sponsors.

Clear Creek Golf Car will be providing transportation to patrons from the parking lots to Riordan Hall. Forest Hills Church will furnish water and Riordan Hall will have coffee.

Apple Blossom of Rogers will be serving pieces of 25th anniversary cake to those attending. Concordia will be serving lunch for vendors and volunteers.