It’s summer in Indiana, one of the best times for Hoosiers to be active and get healthy as they venture outdoors. It’s also once again time for the annual INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair, which begins on Thursday, July 17 and runs to Sunday, July 20 at the Indiana Convention Center, Hall D, in downtown Indianapolis.
The theme for this year’s Health Fair is “Be Active, Healthy and Happy!” It offers health screenings, education and resources that will help participants attain, maintain and live a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.
“Our theme aligns with Indiana’s top health priorities of addressing obesity, tobacco use and infant mortality,” said Antoniette Holt, Director of the Office of Minority Health at the Indiana State Department of Health. “During our 29th year, we want to continue to provide everyone who attends with the necessary resources and tools that will help influence their life and others in a positive way.”
The more than $1,000 worth of free health screenings include: blood pressure, glucose screening, A1C screening, full lipid panel for cholesterol, STD screening, HIV testing (Thursday and Saturday only), body mass index, prostate, vision, dental and foot screenings, and more.
For the second year, a Faith Symposium will be included as part of the Health Fair festivities. This year’s symposium is for First Ladies of the church and will be held Tuesday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Indiana Minority Health Coalition headquarters, 3737 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis. First Lady Linda A. Wallace from New Spiritual Life Christian Church will be speaking at the symposium.
The Health Fair’s opening ceremony is Thursday, July 17 at 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Special guests to the opening ceremony include players of the Indy Eleven professional soccer team, celebrated television personality and fresh-produce advocate Curtis Aikens from the Food Network and former Atlanta Hawks star Dominique Wilkins.
The Health Fair is free to attend on opening night and will accommodate seniors and people with disabilities by offering free transportation to and from the Convention Center, provided by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Admission to the remaining days of the Health Fair is included with the cost of the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration.
Visitors will be able to participate in healthy activities such as food demonstrations, fitness-oriented activities, education sessions, video games, dancing and much more.
The event is sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Health with support from Indiana Black Expo, Inc., Community Health Network, WISH-TV and other valued sponsors. For a complete list of sponsors, visit the Office of Minority Health’s website at www.in.gov/isdh/23551.htm .
Health Fair hours are as follows:
· Thursday, July 17, 4-8 p.m.
· Friday, July 18, 1-8 p.m.
· Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
· Sunday, July 20, noon-6 p.m.
For more information about the 2014 INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair, visit www.statehealth.in.gov
