The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church hosted a health fair on Sunday to educate the Hispanic community about health resources and preventive practices. Educational lectures included topics on bone health, treating opioid overdoses, and emergency bleeding control. Volunteers aimed to involve more community members and acknowledged the barriers many face in prioritizing health care.
On Sunday, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church hosted its annual Health and Wellness Fair, focusing on educating the local Hispanic community about available health resources and wellness practices that can help prevent diseases. This event welcomed everyone, offering lectures on various topics such as bone health, opioid overdose treatment using Narcan, and first aid training for severe bleeding, all presented by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Retired registered nurse Maggie Halloway explained that the fair aimed to engage more Hispanic community members, emphasizing the importance of health education. The 2022 U.S. Census Bureau reported a significant increase in the Latino and Hispanic population in Santa Clarita, which now stands at 78,735. Halloway noted that many individuals in the Hispanic community often neglect their health due to a “fear” of potential diagnoses, which leads to avoidance of medical care. Alma Alvarez, another volunteer nurse, highlighted the challenges faced by many who struggle to find time to see a doctor due to work obligations and limited job benefits. The fair provided attendees the opportunity to undergo essential health screenings, such as carotid ultrasounds to detect blocked arteries that could lead to strokes. Alvarez was present to offer guidance and understandable resources, recognizing that literacy levels vary and comprehension of medical information can be a barrier. Visitors could also learn to monitor their blood pressure, calculate their BMI (body mass index), and receive free vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles, making the event a valuable resource in the community.
The article centers on a health fair organized by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, designed to educate the growing Hispanic population in Santa Clarita about preventive healthcare. As this demographic has doubled according to recent census figures, the fair addresses the unique challenges they face in accessing health services. The focus is on providing both knowledge and resources to improve health outcomes within this community.
The Health and Wellness Fair serves as a vital resource for the local Hispanic community, offering education on critical health issues and preventive measures. Volunteers, including retired nurses and students, work towards bridging the gap in healthcare access and comprehension, ensuring that individuals are empowered to prioritize their health. By facilitating screenings and providing essential information, the fair plays a crucial role in enhancing health awareness among attendees.
Original Source: signalscv.com
