Return of Family Wellness Fair scheduled for May 11 at Veterans Memorial Hospital


VMH Family Wellness Fair is May 11 ... The annual Veterans Memorial Hospital Family Wellness Fair will finally return after three years, scheduled for Wednesday, May 11 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Free health tests, family activities, entertainment and much more will all be included in the evening, plus many door prizes will be given away. Pictured is a scene from the last family wellness fair. This year, with the addition of the new Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic, all visitors are asked to enter the fair through the main entrance of the Medical Clinic, next to the ambulance and fire truck. The route will proceed through the clinic and hospital facility, exiting out the main entrance of the hospital. Submitted photo.

The annual “Family Wellness Fair” will return after three years and will be held Wednesday, May 11 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Health  and wellness testing, exhibits and activities will all be providing a complete evening of entertainment and education for families of all ages. Everyone in the area communities is welcome to attend this free event. Due to continuing COVID restrictions for health care facilities, all visitors will be required to wear a mask to the event. Free masks will be available at the door.

ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment for the evening will include special appearances by “Klyde Thinger” the Clown and Mike Chapman, Balloon Artist. In addition, a Waukon Fire Department fire truck and Veterans Memorial Hospital ambulance will be parked outside the entrance to the fair for children to view. Face painting will be offered again this year, plus many other youth games such as a bean bag toss and photo booth.

EXHIBITORS
Many exhibitors will have tables on display with information, demonstrations and activities for the entire family. To date, the exhibitors include: Allamakee County Emergency Management, Allamakee County ISU Extension, Visiting Nurse Association, Gundersen  Medical and Vision Clinic, Iowa Works, Northeast Iowa Community Action (NEICAC),  NICC, Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health, Thornton Manor and Thornton Heights, Waukon and Postville Good Samaritan Society, Village Creek Bible Camp, Waukon Park and Recreation/Waukon Aquatic Center and the Waukon Wellness Center.

HEALTH FAIR
Veterans Memorial Hospital staff will be on hand to perform a number of free health tests and share health information such as blood pressure testing, grip strength testing and children’s reach game, O2 saturation and carbon monoxide testing, the effects of smoking, diabetes and blood sugar testing, chair massages, wellness, Vitamin D and blood type testing, surgical services, correct hand washing technique and cell phone sanitation, physical therapy, safe drug disposal, advanced directives and patient portal registration, among many other topics.  Adults attending will also have the opportunity to fill out the most recent community health assessment survey for the area. Again this year, Veterans Memorial Hospital staff will be demonstrating and instructing the new “Hands Only” CPR that can effectively be used by anyone - on anyone - who has witnessed a cardiac arrest. Information on how to “Stop The Bleed” with hands-on practice will also be highlighted. Hospital staff will also be offering tours of the brand new CT machine and new Infusion and Outpatient area.

DOOR PRIZES
Over 100 door prizes will be given away that night. All visitors to the Spring Into Family Wellness Fair are eligible to win just by signing in at the registration table as they enter the event. Names will be drawn throughout the evening with all winners having their choice of door prizes. All visitors to the Family Wellness Fair are asked to enter the fair through the Medical Clinic main entrance near the ambulance and fire truck. The fair route will proceed through the building into the hospital and exit out the main hospital entrance. Parking will be available at both the clinic and hospital lots, as well as all street parking. The annual Family Wellness Fair, held Wednesday, May 11 from 3:30 to 6 p.m., is a community-wide event offering families of all ages a night of entertainment and education about the resources available to them. This fun-filled family event is free and open to all members of the community of any age. For any additional information, contact Erin Berns, Public Relations Director at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.