INDIANAPOLIS— The 2012 INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair runs from July 19 to July 22 at the Indiana Convention Center, Hall D, in downtown Indianapolis. Once again this year, attendees can receive a multitude of free screenings, health information and giveaways.
In fact, over $1,000 worth of health screening will be offered, including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, syphilis, body mass index, addiction, prostate and dental. Additionally, staff will offer body health analysis, stroke assessment, lead testing for children and eye exams (July 19-20).
The theme for this year’s Health Fair, “Rethink, Reset, Restart Your Health,” encourages Hoosiers to pause and think about the choices they are making every day which contribute to overall health and well being, to learn more about their health, and to begin making the healthier choices that are right for them.
The opening ceremony is Thursday, July 19 at 3 p.m. and will feature keynote speaker, Chef and author Dr. Timothy Moore. “The Vegan Chef” Moore, once weighing 320 pounds, overcame diabetes and reached a healthy weight after becoming a holistic vegan. Moore has written three books, of which two discuss health matters. His 2012 release, “47 Tips to Reverse Your Diabetes,” focuses on nutritional means to control the disease. Moore is also a traditional naturopath doctor, certified nutrition specialist and food consultant. He will be available to the public for questions throughout the weekend.
Also at the opening ceremony, top students involved in the Enhancing Minority Partnership Opportunities; Working to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities (EMPOWERED) project will be honored by the Office of Minority Health. The purpose of EMPOWERED is to improve access to health care for racial and ethnic minorities in Indiana.
“We’re proud to pay tribute to these achievers in the community. They deserve recognition for overcoming obstacles and helping others do likewise,” said Antoniette Holt, director of the Office of Minority Health at the Indiana State Department of Health. “Their efforts are making positive impacts on people’s health in Indiana and around the country.”
The Health Fair is free to attend on opening night, which especially caters to senior citizens by offering free rides to and from the Convention Center, provided by the Family & Social Services Administration.
Other guests at the Health Fair include, Jerome and LaChelle Adkins and their 14 children, who are currently taping a reality television series, “The Adkins Family is a Reality.”
Visitors will be able to participate in healthy activities such as food demonstrations, fitness-oriented videogames and dancing.
The event is sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Health with the assistance of Indiana Black Expo, Inc., Community Health Network, Eli Lilly and Company and other partners. For a complete list of sponsors, visit the Office of Minority Health website at www.in.gov/isdh/23551.htm.
Health Fair hours are:
· Thursday, July 19, 4-8 p.m.
· Friday, July 20, 1-8 p.m.
· Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
· Sunday, July 22, noon-6 p.m.
For more information about the 2012 INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair, visit www.statehealth.in.gov. Check out INShape Indiana at www.INShapeIndiana.org to learn ways to move more, avoid tobacco, and eat better.
