A health fair this weekend is reaching out to the black population in the Fort Worth area.
The 2007 African American Health Expo Saturday, April 21, at O.D. Wyatt High School will focus on obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.
Blacks across all social and economic levels are affected obesity, and although health messages have targeted obesity in African Americans for years, the disparities still exist.
The African American Health Expo was created to exhibit strategies for healthy living that fit the needs of the black community. The event has provided local residents with free screenings and services to protect their health and help them live longer for five consecutive years.
“ We want the entire family to come to the expo,” Nina Jackson, African American Expo coordinator, said.
“We will have something for everyone: health screens, workout demonstrations, cooking lessons and an entire area for the children.”
Free health screenings for blood pressure, speech, hearing, vision, glucose and mammograms will be available at the expo. Strength training, walking and aerobics will be demonstrated throughout the day, and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service will present healthy cooking demonstrations.
Medical professionals will provide free immunizations for children to age 18.
A children’s area will offer arts, crafts, face painting and games.
