ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 14, 1996 TAG: 9608140047
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JENNIFER MILLER STAFF WRITER
THE HEALTH FESTIVAL will have everything from examinations for cholesterol, skin cancer and eye problems to toddler races, water balloon tosses and sidewalk drawings.
Salem City Council has proclaimed Oct. 13 "Family Health Awareness Day," after being asked by the Salem Merchants Association to co-sponsor a health fair at the Salem Civic Center.
The merchants had planned to ask the council to rent the civic center - at $1,710 for the day - but that may not be necessary.
"Right now, it has been so well received by everyone we have talked to [that] we have more businesses wanting to help than we probably need," said Brenda Bower, the health fair's chairwoman. "But if we stumble on some costs and need funding, we'd like to approach City Council."
The fair, scheduled from 1 to 8 p.m., is expected to attract fitness, health and diet experts from all over the valley.
"We want to educate people about how to live a healthy lifestyle, so we can bring [Salem's] death rate down to normal," said Sally Nunley, president of the Salem Merchants Association.
Cases of heart disease, stomach cancer and emphysema in Salem exceed state and national rates, according to a study released by the area's Healthy Differences Team in December 1995.
Health Educator Debbie Sams said the fair is a good place for people to get free medical advice and hints about a healthy lifestyle. Sams works with the Healthy Differences Team in the Roanoke and Alleghany Health District.
"We are going to have all types of events and programs," Sams said. "There will be all kinds of booths - from the Ask a Doctor booth to baseball games."
CMT Sporting Goods is building an in-line skating rink for those who want to give it a try. And there's the Smoking Museum, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
The fair will have everything from cholesterol testing, skin cancer screening and eye exams to ballroom dancing, golf, and soccer matches for adults older than 30.
Events for kids include toddler races, egg and water balloon tosses, story telling and sidewalk chalk drawings.
Mayor Sonny Tarpley applauded the Salem Merchants Association for its efforts.
"I know it's an awesome task, and it will grow from year to year," he said at Monday's council meeting.
Nunley agreed. "An investment in our children, such as seeing that they are safe and healthy, is an investment in our future."
Tarpley had only one request for the fair: a dunking booth with Vice Mayor Alex Brown inside.
"I'll pay $5 a throw," he said.
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB