Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle
The Community Health Action Network and Prairie Township teamed up to bring health and wellness resources to the community at their annual Senior Health Fair held on April 27. According to Michael Pollack, director of the Prairie Township Community Center, more than 40 organizations from across the region came to the event to provide exercise demonstrations, massages, screenings and other health and wellness advice to area residents. Among the vendors who were there to encourage attendees to maintain an active lifestyle were representatives with Franklin County Public Health. Here, Unity Johnson, a healthy food access coordinator, demonstrates how their popular Smoothie Bike operates. “You have to get the gears going with your legs in order to reap the rewards of the smoothie drink,” she said.
Ruth Billman (left) has her blood pressure checked by Beth Bridges, a registered nurse at OhioHealth.
Dr. Michael Monroe with West Jefferson Chiropractic uses SoftWave, a non-invasive tissue regeneration device, to treat the lingering pain that has been plaguing Prairie Township Firefighter Samuel Cook ever since he rolled his ankle while getting out of a medic. Cook said the procedure provided immediate relief to his year-long discomfort. “My ankle is not clicking right now, so that’s a good sign.”
Deb Ruppersburg, a naturalist at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, and her gray rat snake friend, Twitchy, were at the event to promote the benefits of walking in the great outdoors, especially at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Ruppersburg said the park has a number of walking programs to enjoy for solo adventures or with a group. To see what programs are scheduled for May, visit metroparks.net and look under ‘program search.’
Yoga instructor Shelley Brunicardi (left) guides Rachel Palmer through the tree pose using a chair for assistance. Both women lead fitness classes at the Prairie Township Community Center. For more information on health classes that are available at the center, visit the website prairietownship.org/131/community-center.
Rachel Palmer, a Zumba instructor at the PTCC, provided two 15-minute demonstrations at the Senior Health Fair. Those who decided to join said they had a great time learning a few new Zumba moves.