by Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The Tulalip Karen I. Fryberg Health Clinic hosted their annual health fair on Friday, October 2, with participants showing up earlier than normal to take full advantage of the health screening stations and complementary door prizes.
Every year community members are invited to stroll through the variety of health education booths, get their annual screenings taken care of, and learn how Tulalip culture and traditions can be used to guard against drug abuse, diabetes, and mental illness. With over 30 booths and seven screening stations, plus the fun run, there was something of interest for everyone, from children to the elders, in a relaxed atmosphere.
The day started out full of activity, and really stayed comfortably busy throughout the day. The first 80 participants received a complimentary large pumpkin, which were all given out by noon. Health fair participants stopped at the various screening stations for checking blood sugar, vision, blood pressure, cholesterol and more.
In addition to health education, the Puget Sound Blood Center was in attendance to educate participants on the importance of donating blood and bone marrow. Every year the clinic holds a blood drive simultaneously with the health fair. The collaborative partnership between the health clinic and the blood center allowed potential donors to sign-up online before the health fair to reduce wait time.
Strolling through the health education booths and screening stations and donating blood can be exhausting, so the health clinic offers participants a complimentary lunch of hot dogs, chips, soda and various other goodies. Additionally, there is even more incentive to attend with entry into the raffle at the end of the health fair, which offers up fun and exciting prizes. This year’s prizes ranged from an electric smoker to an outdoor fire pit to portable heaters and BBQ grills.
Usually happening in the summer time, this year’s fair occurred much later than normal. But because autumn is the start of flu season many participants took advantage of the timing to receive their flu shot. By noon, it was estimated 60 health-conscious individuals had received their flu shot.
The annual health fair is one of many open house events at the Tulalip Karen I. Fryberg Clinic throughout the year. Watch for event announcements in the syəcəb, on the Tulalip News Facebook page, or contact the clinic by phone at (360) 716-4511 for more information.