Monday, February 26, 2007
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Festival draws healthy
turnout By Drew Houff WINCHESTER — Some go
annually and some found their way for the first time, but everyone who
attended the Community Wellness Festival at Apple Blossom Mall on Saturday
learned a bit more about healthy options and other ways to live a better
lifestyle. Health screenings, demonstrations, and
general information were passed along from more than 80 exhibitors who were
trying to spread the word about what they have to offer.
Jill Donnelli-Hu had three belly dancering
instructors give a demonstration, then she talked about The Dharma Studio
LLC, which opened in October 2006. “I have a studio in my basement and also have some
hours at Stonebrook (Racquet & Fitness Club in Frederick County),” she said. Clare Ruysen, education program coordinator
for CLEAN Inc., said the festival helps people of all ages become familiar
with her organization, Community and Law Enforcement Against Narcotics Inc.,
and its related services. Ruysen said some CLEAN Inc. programs are
geared to help teens, but others are designed for families and parents. “We do alcohol and drug education,” she said. “We also
do the family-parent education education, too. “We’ve been
trying to get the word out on meth.” Ruysen said methamphetamines are becoming an
increasing problem in the region, leading CLEAN Inc. to organize a community
presentation on March 1 at Shenandoah University’s School of Pharmacy. She added that methamphetamine use and
production are problems that parents and community members need to be
informed about. Another organization also trying to build
publicity is Northwestern Community Services, which has offices in
Winchester, Front Royal, Luray, and Woodstock. Aljune Lee, a psychiatric nurse, said
Northwestern tries to help with mental health issues, including stress
management, anxiety, and substance abuse. “We’re open five
days a week, and we even have 24-hour emergency services,” Lee said. “They
call to talk about their problems, and we talk with them about what is going
on.” Beth Spresser, a therapist with
Northwestern, said the organization has made strides working with several
groups. “We have a bipolar support group, and they can find
others with it,” she said. “They can say, ‘We’re not the only ones with it.’” Publicity, in general, is crucial to almost
all of the organizations represented at the Community Wellness Festival. Lindsey Legg said attends the event annually
to learn about the various wellness programs. “We’ve done most
everything,” she said. “I’ve also
registered for stuff. “I find out what is new, but nothing surprises me
because I come every year.” Various organizations also offered health
screenings for blood, blood pressure, body fat mass, bone mineral density,
glaucoma, glucose, hearing, and oral cancer. Pamela Miller was particulary interested in
a bone mineral density screening from Valley Health Wellness Services.. “I came to see what is available,” she said. “Like the
bone density screening, I’m interested
in getting that done.” |
