Wellness Fair enjoyed by many during National Hospital Week
Family Wellness Fair balloon artist ... This year’s Family Wellness Fair included some special added attractions including a radon testing display in honor of balloon artist Paul Kammarmeyer, better known as “Greenie”, who attended this wellness fair sharing his balloon art talents with this community for the last decade. Paul lost his battle to lung cancer caused by radon in his home at the end of 2017. His apprentice, Mike Chapman, pictured here, very successfully carried on his talents at this wellness fair. Submitted photo.
“Klyde Thinger” the Clown at Family Wellness Fair ... A crowd of over 325 individuals attended the Family Wellness Fair at Veterans Memorial Hospital Wednesday evening, May 9, enjoying the information, entertainment and free health screenings. “Klyde Thinger” the Clown, an always popular addition to the Family Wellness Fair, is pictured here visiting with a group of youth who enjoyed the fair. Submitted photo.
Wellness Fair demonstrations ... Many free health tests and demonstrations were offered at the fair and enjoyed by all. A new popular display sponsored by the Respiratory Therapists at the hospital included two pig lungs, one healthy and one that had been exposed to second hand smoke. Visitors were invited to see and feel the effects of smoking on the lungs, which are similar to human lungs. Submitted photo.
The 21st annual “Family Wellness Fair” was held Wednesday, May 9 at Veterans Memorial Hospital with a spectacular turn out. Over 325 individuals attended the wellness fair and enjoyed all the information and activities provided by over 45 agencies and businesses that serve Allamakee and northern Clayton counties.
Entertainment for the evening included special appearances by “Klyde Thinger” the Clown, plus a new balloon artist, Mike Chapman, who very successfully carried on the talent and tradition of Paul Kammarmeyer, who brought fun and excitement to the wellness fair for over a decade. Paul lost his battle to lung cancer caused by radon in his home at the end of 2017, but had shared his talent with Mike so he could carry on this service. In his honor, a special radon educational display and even radon kits were offered for sale at a very reasonable price by Melinda Berns of the Allamakee County Environmental Health Department.
In addition, a Waukon Fire Department fire truck and hospital ambulance were on site in the front entrance to the hospital for children to view. Face painting was offered plus many new youth games such as a bean bag toss, a hula hoop contest and a youth fitness challenge. Child car seat checks were also offered by certified professionals.
Many took advantage of the new service to disinfect their cell phones with the new PHONESOAP machine located at the main entrance of the hospital. This will remain available for any visitors to the hospital in the months to come at the reception desk.
Veterans Memorial Hospital sponsored a health fair at the event and offered many free health tests, assessments and information throughout the evening. Both the Mayo Waukon Clinic and Gundersen Waukon Clinic were in attendance as well. Nutritious snacks were offered compliments of the hospital’s Nutrition Services department.
Again this year, a free shuttle service was offered by Cadillac Caring Services, LLC, Peggy Sivesind, owner, from the St. Patrick Church parking lot to the hospital to help transport visitors to and from the fair.
This free family event is held each spring and is open to all area communities.
