The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

ENCOURAGING Bahamians to live healthy lifestyles, the Golden Isles Community Centre will present a fun run/walk as well as its second annual Community Health Fair this Saturday.

The fun run/walk is expected to kick off at 6am, starting from the Coral Harbour Park to the Defence Force Base and back. The health fair will take place at Coral Harbour Park, beginning at 8am until 1pm.

Tamara Hanna, organiser for the event, said the health fair will feature vendor booths such as Lowe’s Pharmacy, Bahamas Wholesale Agencies, the Red Cross and the Ministry of Health.

“The Red Cross will be there talking about the importance of safe sex and using condoms and so forth. We also have the Ministry of Health’s men section coming out to talk about the importance of doing the colon testing,” she said.

Ms Hanna said health tips and products will also be provided by companies such as New Life and Slim G.

“We hosted our first health fair last year and the response was good, but we are hoping and looking forward to a greater turnout this weekend. We are trying to promote camaraderie in the community. We want people to know that it is not a political event; it is a community event so we are trying to get the community to come out and be more active – knowing who your neighbour is.

We are not only focusing on physical health this weekend, as we will also speak on financial health. Discussing topics from savings and insurance to annuity, budgeting and much more,” she said.

In addition to the health fair, Ms Hanna said the centre stays connected with the people of Golden Isles by hosting monthly branch meetings within the community.

“Even though the events are hosted by the Member of Parliament for Golden Isle, Michael Halkitis, they are still community events for the people where we also have guest speakers come out and support,” she said.

Ms Hanna said the health fair is one of their most beneficial events because everything is free of charge – testings, screenings and checkups.

“When you look at it, doing your annual checkups at the doctor’s office is very costly. Here we are offering some of the same services free of charge. We have people like New Life come out and educate on their products in regards to combating diseases like cancer and diabetes. We also have a young lady that will be out there to teach people about natural juices and smoothies, teaching you how to live a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Ms Hanna said the health fair will offer something for young and old.

“We just hope that people will come out and support us. Everything is going to be free and we are not charging for anything. We also have a dental clinic that will be out there present for those that are interested,” she said.