Sunday, April 20, 2014
Photo
SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Dr. Joan L. Boyd is chairwoman of the committee organizing the 300 Sisters in Red Health Fair. Above, she stands with student volunteers from Youngstown State University.
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
A health fair is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 12 in Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, and it has drawn more than 300 women to sign up.
This eighth annual 300 Sisters in Red Health Fair is sponsored by the Youngstown Chapter of The Links Inc., Humility of Mary Health Partners, YSU, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, The American Family Health Insurance, the American Heart Association, Delta Sigma Theta Alumni Chapter, McDonald’s, the Junior Civic League, YWCA and several private donors.
The program will include a full schedule of speakers and health-related activities.
The guest speaker for the luncheon is Dr. Maryann Echols, a psychologist, who will talk about how to recognize and manage stress, a condition that has been medically linked to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and breast cancer.
Breakout sessions will feature other speakers on other health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis by Dr. Kathleen Padgett, holistic medicine by Dr. Kelly Kirksey, healthy exercise without a gym by Jaison Boyd and breast cancer screenings by Dr. Ayla Kessler, medical oncologist.
Also to be available are free fasting blood screening for sugar, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, and bone density screenings, blood pressure, body fat, computerized heart health assessment, massages, exercise fitness and yoga.
More than 30 vendors representing health professionals will offer demonstrations and provide handouts.
A healthful breakfast and luncheon will be provided along with the recipes.
Testimonials from previous attendees will describe how the fair has helped them improve their health.
Parking is free, and YSU student volunteers will provide assistance to those in wheelchairs and walkers and in all areas of the fair.
The committee comprises the following women volunteers: Dr. Joan L. Boyd, program chairwoman; Dr. Krishmu Shipmon, president of The Links, Youngstown; Ellen Ford, Humility of Mary Health Partners; Bridget Lackey, HMHP; Kara Thompson, HMHP; Brenda Cook, HMHP; June Ewing, Third Baptist Church; Dr. Keisha Robinson, YSU; Dr. Ruth Quarles, Links; Varada Bhide, YWCA; Charlotte Diss, American Heart Association; Mariah Powell, Kent State University; Quiana Faison, Delta Sorority; Margaret Person, Links; and Atty. Sandra Thompkins, Links.
The 300 Sisters Health Fair was developed by the Youngstown Chapter of the Links to address health disparities among minority women in Youngstown and Mahoning County that the Ohio Commission of Health revealed in 2006.
The health fair provides comprehensive activities to improve the health of minority women and promote healthy lifestyles.