Healthy living promoted at annual fair on Saturday

The ninth annual Safety, Health and Wellness Fair returns to Pioneer Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is hosted by Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2.

The annual event underwent a name change last year to accommodate the expansion of the fair, which now includes multiple demonstrations on safety and proactive ways to stay healthy. All three local law enforcement departments have booths at the fair encouraging safety, and the Ritzville Fire Department will also be participating.

The annual event provides visitors with an extensive amount of health and safety information as well as providing community members with opportunities for health tests.

The complete list of vendors for the fair are: Adams County Health Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Aflac, Aging and Adult Care of Central Washington, Rockwood Health System, Assured Home Health and Hospice, Big Bend Electric Cooperative, Costco, Inland Imaging, Rose Garden, Shriners Hospital, Life Care Center of Ritzville, Northwest MedStar (Pediatric Ambulance), Ritzville Police Department, Shriners Hospital for Children, Sound Oxygen, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Inland Northwest Health Services, Applicator, Washington State Patrol, Cigna, Ritzville Festivals Association, Ritzville Fire Department, Scentsy, Arlene Brooks-Avon and Lindsey-Nerium.

Sponsors for the event are Ritzville Warehouse Company, Avista Utilities, Parker Smith Feek, East Adams County Healthcare Foundation, Northwest MedStar, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Toshiba and Inland Northwest Health Services.

For more information about the Health Fair, contact East Adams Rural Hospital at 659-1200, or visit the website, http://www.earh.com.

Activities

A broad range of vendors is slated for the annual fair, and visitors have an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities throughout the day.

Direct labs provided at the health fair include general health panels for $10, and a vitamin D test for the cost of $25. East Adams County Healthcare Foundation and Premera sponsor both labs.

Costco is providing hearing screenings, and East Adams Rural Hospital is offering blood pressure tests. Inland Northwest Blood Center is also coordinating a blood drive during the event.

EARH’s physical therapist Dale Nelson is also provided myofascial release massages during the event. Nelson’s specialty is myofascial release therapy, which is a technique that uses slight pressure to release tension, and eliminate aches and pains.

A variety of kids’ activities are planned during the event and include a treasure hunt, games and activities for all ages. There are lots of prizes for the whole family, and adults have a vendor treasure hunt with prizes given also.

The prizes have been switched from material items to gift cards to allow the participants an opportunity to purchase things they need, such as groceries or school supplies.

Blood Drive

East Adams Rural Healthcare and the Inland Northwest Blood Center are hosting a blood drive in Pioneer Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 13, in coordination with the annual Health Fair.

Kellie Ottmar is coordinating the blood drive volunteers and donation hours run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. inside of the Ritzville Train Depot Museum.

INBC needs an average of 200 blood donors every day to meet the needs of more than 35 hospitals in the Inland Northwest.

For more information, visit http://inbcsaves.org.

Food and Retail Vendors

Retail vendors bring a wide variety of attractions to this year’s fair, and the diversity of vendors is something fair coordinators are excited to provide.

Food vendors will be on site with a variety of snacks and food items available.

In cooperation with the fair, the AAUW is hosting a book sale on Washington Street from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

A variety of used books will be available for purchase, as well as baked goods.