Photos courtesy of Nora Beale
One of the information tables at St. Elizabeth Parish Health Fair, May 17.
Plenty vendors make parish fair a healthy experience
By Linda Cacpal | Special to the Herald
“Health in mind, body and community” was the theme and aspiration of the first St. Elizabeth Parish, Aiea, Health Fair, May 17, in the church’s social hall.
The parish’s health ministry, led by nurse Norma Hara, organized the event which had a long line up of vendors and organizations set up in the hall offering information, brochures, answers to questions, and sometimes something to munch on. The Jamba Juice table was busy … as expected.
But how did McDonald’s end up there? By offering water and juice. And chips? No, dried fruit, friends.
In tough times such as these, trying to hold up your three jobs, keeping fit, getting enough rest, and spending time with the family are the activities that suffer. To help, representatives from nearby Pali Momi Medical Center came loaded with solutions on proper nutrition, healthy breathing and medical financial counseling.
Bibbitea Bobbitea Brew (great name) came with tea samples, preaching about the benefits of drinking tea to calm, cleanse and purify.
For those struggling with chronic or life-threatening illnesses, support can be hope shining in the darkness.
Pre-screening for diseases and health risks is very helpful. The American Cancer, Lung, Heart and Kidney Associations were there to provide information and some free screening test kits.
Having a “healthy” home can also prevent accidents, contamination and fires. The Hawaiian Electric Company and the Honolulu Fire Department offered excellent advice on checking wires and outlets and replacing smoke alarm batteries.
It was gratifying to see the parish community come together after the morning Masses to visit the tables, ask questions, talk to each other, and get blood pressures checked. Relationships were built, vendors and associations got the word out and people became more aware of working on their quality of life.
As the fair ended, one of the representatives said, “Don’t forget, now. If you do another fair next year, don’t forget to ask us. We’d be glad to come.”
One of the 400 parishioners who dropped by that day needed an extra bag to take home all the food samples and information she had collected. Not a problem. Even that bag was “healthy” — a 100 percent biodegradable package from Down to Earth.