Fair focuses on minority health

Fairgoers can shop for jewelry and African art and Barack Obama T-shirts.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Clyde Holmes took a break from selling African black soap and lotions to have a chiropractor ease the pain in his jaw.

Holmes, 58, of Warren, is just one of many participants who set up tables at the Everlife Worship Center “Minority Health Expo ’08.” The event continues today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church on Early Road.

Guest speaker is Dr. Luther “Skip” Rosemond, a Detroit chiropractor. He covered a wide variety of ailments that can be helped by a chiropractor.

When Rosemond’s presentation focused on TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, pain in the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, Holmes stepped forward for a treatment Friday.

Rosemond manipulated Holmes’ jaw, knocked and tapped on his back and then covered his eyes and turned him around. Holmes, his mouth wide open, appeared startled, to say the least.

The doctor stepped back and watched as a big smile formed on Holmes’ face. The pain was gone. No dizziness, either.

The African soap and lotions salesman went back to his table still smiling.

“It doesn’t click anymore — it doesn’t click anymore,” Holmes said of his jaw. “He’s in Detroit and I have family in Detroit. I’ll make an appointment.”

Holmes said he’s had TMJ all his adult life. He played sports in high school and got into fights, too. He thinks those activities caused the jaw injury.

Across the room from Holmes, fairgoers can have blood screenings done by members of Everlife Worship Center’s Nurses’ Guild. The tests check blood sugar, blood pressure and pulse and respiration rates.

As you wander around the church you’ll find a table of fashion jewelry and displays of African art and Barack Obama T-shirts. There’s also a variety of pamphlets that deal with health, fitness, nutrition, taxes, insurance, retirement, vitamins and much more.

Katrina Walker, outreach coordinator for Hospice of the Valley, wants you to stop by her table and pick up information about Camp Peaceful Horizons. The free outing for children 6 to 15 who have been touched by death of a loved one or friend runs July 27-30 at Camp Frederick in Negley.

Daily therapeutic activities will focus on coping with confusing emotions and holding on to positive memories. Camp staff are joining Hospice of the Valley’s bereavement and social workers to provide the children with a full camp experience that includes swimming and other activities.

Those who can’t attend the Minority Health Expo ’08 can register for the camp by calling (330) 788-1992 or (800) 640-5180.