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Several exhibitors had resources for senior citizens.
Becky Leamon, left, works with Community Action's Senior Nutrition
Program, which serves people ages 60 and over. They deliver meals to
home and congregate sites over a wide range of areas in both Mason
and Logan Counties. Leamon said they are always looking for
volunteers.
Allison Greenfield works with the Community Care Program of Senior
Services of Central Illinois, Inc. This program helps seniors stay
at home by providing them with non-medical in-home care services
such as cleaning or companionship.
Another program that helps people live more independently is the
Illinois Assistive Technology Program, which provides assistive
technology devices to people of all ages with disabilities. Devices
such as communication aids, vision aids, and computers can help
individuals with daily activities.
The Hearing Aid Center provides free hearing tests and affordable
hearing aids. Mandy Cordray said hearing aids can be reconditioned
and when they cannot be used any longer, people can send them in to
get a tax voucher.
Those with memory loss who are no longer able to live at home will
soon have more assisted living options. Copper Creek Cottages Memory
Care, next to Timber Creek, will open between May and June. Copper
Creek will have fifteen apartments on each side with a kitchen in
the middle. Everything is secured, so those living there are safe.
Many exhibitors provided education on healthy habits. REPS gym
offers various classes and fitness programs such as Zumba,
Kickboxing, and Yoga. Georgia Allison works with the Silver Fox
Fitness Program, which helps seniors stay active. Caitlyn Lore
teaches Yoga classes. Other instructors and trainers are Chris
Beard, Jamie Beard, Alexis Beard, Mario Gurule, Kristen Gurule,
Janell Woolard, and Tara Morris.
Jacki Pavlik, Fitness Director at the Lincoln Park District, and her
daughter Heather provided a fitness demonstration in the ballroom.
They showed how to use a weighted hula hoop, which is easier for
many than a regular hula hoop. Heather also teaches a Latin/Hip Hop
Cardio dance mix for people of any age and fitness level.
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The Logan County Health Department had several exhibits providing
information about a healthy lifestyle. Health educators shared
information about birth control and breastfeeding. A poster about
electronic cigarettes shows some of its dangers. The health effects
are not yet known and there is little regulation, so health
educators try to warn youth to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes.
Several exhibitors also promoted healthy eating habits.
For those who wanted to know about healthy cooking, Heather
Klopp-Cosby did cooking demonstrations using fruit and vegetables to
make salads, giving out samples of what she made.
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance promotes locally grown produce and
healthy organic certified products. As their brochure says, "we know
the importance of good, locally-grown food and sustainable farming
can have on our health, our economy, and our environment." The
Illinois Stewardship Alliance also encourages people to "support the
farmers, market, businesses, and families who rely on local food for
healthy, vibrant lives."
The ALMH Market which is the first producer only market in Lincoln
will have a Farmer's Market at the Logan County Fairgrounds every
Saturday from May through October. Sarah Helm said they will also
offer free health screenings, testing cholesterol, blood pressure,
and glucose levels. The Market will also have Power of Produce Kid's
programming, plus live music and canning demonstrations.
The Logan County Farm Bureau (photo 5944) provides education on
healthy eating, too. The Farm Bureau teaches facts from the farm
about GMOs. Farmers help young moms and students learn where the
food supply comes from.
Juice Plus can provide options for those who do not eat a lot of
fruits and vegetables. It is found in capsule form and made of whole
fruits and vegetables to help bridge the gap between what people do
and do not eat.
The Wellness Expo brought in many people from the community who were
able to learn about many resources for healthy living.
[Angela Reiners]
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