Free health screenings at Flea Market a welcome addition in tough times

Open Air Health Fair is Oct. 10-11

For more information contact
Nicole Kohleriter
The Health Trust
415.385.2283
NicoleK@healthtrust.org

Thousands of shoppers expected at the San Jose Berryessa Flea Market this weekend will find a special bargain and much needed service, especially in these tough economic times—free preventive health services.

The event is The Health Trust’s 8th Open Air Health Fair at the world’s largest outdoor flea market in North San Jose. More than 400 volunteers will be on hand Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. to provide health education activities for all age groups, children through seniors, in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Screenings will include cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat composition and blood sugar. The Health Trust staff will follow up with those who receive free health screenings to help them manage their health concerns.

Children can also have free dental screenings and dental treatments. There will be seasonal flu shots for adults, fitness games and information about free or low cost health insurance, nutrition and physical activities that can be incorporated into everyday life.

“In these tough times we are seeing rising rates of uninsured and underinsured families in this Valley and it is disheartening,” says Health Trust CEO Frederick J. Ferrer. “It is so important, now more than ever that we are able to provide these important preventive health services for free to the community.”

Volunteers staffing the Open Air Health Fair include nursing students from San Jose State University, Evergreen Valley College, Mission College and Western Career College. About 100 high schools students will also participate by assisting with translation and activities in the children’s area.

In addition, participants will be able to visit a variety booths and learn more about how to stay healthy and active from organizations like Full Circle Farms, an 11 acre educational farm located in Sunnyvale.

For more information on The Health Trust and its Healthy Communities Initiative that addresses health disparities with activities like the Open Air Health Fair, visit the website http://www.healthtrust.org/healthfair.

About The Health Trust

The Health Trust is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants, services and advocacy to support its vision of Silicon Valley as the healthiest region in America. For more information, visit www.healthtrust.org.

###