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| An estimated 600 people attend each annual Fall Health Festival, the largest event of its kind geared for seniors. |
INDIANAPOLIS – Senior Promise is hosting its 20th
annual Fall Health Festival, Friday, Oct. 4, at The Atrium Banquet Hall, 3143
E. Thompson Road.
The
annual event, which is from 9 a.m. to noon, is free and geared for those 50 and
older; people with diabetes and their caregivers; and those seeking community
resources for seniors and people with disabilities. There’s adequate parking at
the wheelchair-accessible facility.
The
festival offers the opportunity to not only learn about up to date changes in
the medical field, undergo health screenings and learn of new area resources,
but it also offers the occasion to stay connected and in touch.
“This
popular yearly event is one of the highlights of the Senior Promise program
benefits. Each year it attracts about
600 participants who are interested in bettering their health,” said Jeanelle
Regal, Senior Promise director.
The
festival offers information on a variety of medical topics and health
screenings, including cholesterol, blood pressure, oral cancer, balance
assessment, vision, diabetes foot, and lung/air capacity.
The
Visiting Nurse
Service at St. Francis will be on hand to offer flu and pneumonia shots which
are covered to those receiving Medicare Part B or having Anthem Blue Cross and
Blue Shield health insurance. The flu vaccine is $30 and pneumonia vaccine is
$70 for non-Medicare enrollees and non-Part B Medicare beneficiaries.
This
year’s health fair will include a blood drive and visit from emergency medical
technicians from Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, who will talk with
guests about personal safety and assist in filling out free emergency medical
information forms.
New
to this year’s fair will be a blood drive. The Indiana Blood Center’s mobile
unit will be onsite for blood donations. If you have questions about your
eligibility to donate, call Indiana Blood Center at 317-916-5150 or email eligibility@indianablood.org.
Launched
in 1987, Senior Promise is a program based at Franciscan St.
Francis Health-Indianapolis, provides its 22,000-plus members a
variety of meaningful services and benefits for people age 50 and older
throughout the year.
For
more information about Senior Promise, call 317-528-6660.
