Wellness Expo on February 20 is Free for Everyone

[February 15, 2016]   LINCOLN - Hundreds of people are anticipated to descend upon the Lincoln Park District on Saturday, February 20 from 9:00 a,m. to 1 p.m. to take part in Logan County’s Wellness Expo. The free event is coordinated by the Logan County Department of Public Health, the Lincoln Park District and the Healthy Communities Partnership.

“The vendor participation this year has been amazing. We look forward to the event,” said Emily Hauter, Health Educator at the Logan County Department of Public Health. “The wellness expo is a great opportunity to access a variety of resources in one location.”

Several vendors at the Expo will have giveaways but by visiting vendor booths, participants will have an opportunity to enter for a variety of door prizes. And while there will be over 65 vendor booths, they are only one feature of the Wellness Expo this year.

A variety of activities are available for people of all ages. Back by popular demand this year is a free 65 foot inflatable obstacle course for all ages and a balloon artist. On-site health screenings will include lipid profiles, blood sugar, body mass index, pulse oximeter, blood pressure and more. A limited supply of colon cancer and well water kits will also be available. Cooking demonstrations will take place at 10am, 11am and noon. The Central Illinois Community Blood Center bloodmobile will be onsite to encourage blood donations. Pharmacists will be reviewing medications to detect potential interactions. To reserve a time for a medication review, contact Stacy’s Pharmacy at 217-735-1972.

This year the Expo also has a new feature – workshops! At 9:30am a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator will speak in the ballroom followed by a 10:30am demonstration on hip hop hula and cardio dance. At 11:30am an international lactation consultant will be discussing breastfeeding. Babies and children are encouraged to attend with their moms.

On-site recycling opportunities include prescription and over the counter drug recycling, eyeglasses, cell phones, hearing aids, plastic bags and printer cartridges. Due to the cold temperatures, there will be no glass or confidential paper recycling available in the LCHS parking lot as in years past.

For more information, contact Emily Hauter at the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317 ext. 235 for more information or LIKE “Wellness Expo Logan County“ on Facebook.

[Angela Stoltzenburg, Healthy Communities Partnership]