UNITY — What was billed as the “first annual” Health and Wellness Expo at Parkview Place saw a number of visitors come and go throughout the day. The expo included a number of vendors, along with guest speakers providing information on a variety of topics.
Jaycie McCarthy, pharmacist with Delta Co-op, started the sessions off first thing in the morning with a double-pronged presentation – “understanding UTIs” and “compliance packaging.”
Isee Cabanilla and Christal Wildeman, registered nurses, outlined the home care services available in the community.
Scott Smith, a certified financial planner with Unity Credit Union, gave “10 reasons to have an estate plan.” He thought “the expo was very well done.” He shared that his number one reason for estate planning is that if people have a will in place, then their wishes are decided by them and not by the courts.
Donna Boser-Kelly, a mobile recreation therapist, explained what mobile recreation therapy services are and how they can benefit different individuals. There were some community members who came specifically to hear Boser-Kelly talk about fitness and mobile recreation therapy.
Paula Sittler, Parkview Place manager, and Les Alexander of Defiant Computers teamed up to educate their audience on protecting themselves online.
In a post-event interview, Alexander said his number one tip is “Don’t click on any links you’re not 100 per cent sure of.” He thought the expo was interesting, fun and a lot of good information was given out. He would definitely take part again if asked.
Sittler said, “Overall, the day was a success. We had people at the door right at 9 a.m. to listen to our first speaker and we had two ladies that attended every session.”
Vendors included people and businesses selling cheerful spring décor items, skincare and more along with businesses such as Longevity Chiropractic and Lifeline Canada providing health-related information and having informal discussions with attendees.
With the help of EMTs, you could even have your blood pressure checked on the spot while Geraldine Barrett provided complimentary foot massages.
New Horizons Hall had representatives on hand to share the activities they host each week, and sent information home with several prospective new members. Outgoing president Byron Trapp was particularly pleased a couple of Parkview residents joined him for some kaiser and that they expressed an interest in coming out to play cards at New Horizons in the future.
Overall, the event was well received by vendors, presenters and attendees. Sittler said, “We will definitely host this Health & Wellness Expo again. We had a few key vendors that were not able to attend this particular weekend and I think the next Expo will have even more to offer.”
For this year’s event, Alice Wagner donated a beautiful bird quilt for a raffle, with proceeds going to Parkview Place. A number of door prizes were awarded, and coffee and muffins were enjoyed by many.
