Monday, March 18, 2024

Projects Abroad hosts Health Fair

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In an effort to promote good health, Projects Abroad hosted a successful health fair at the San Pedro Lions Den on Saturday, October 22nd. The general public was invited to take advantage of an array of free, high quality health services, including, but not limited to: breast exams, lice checks, glucose and blood pressure testing, HIV/AIDS testing, eye exams, brushing and flossing demonstrations, drug information and counseling, and information on how to avoid Zika.health-fair-san-pedro-sun-6
More than 100 people came out to visit the various health organizations. From 9AM onwards, locals and visitors went from table to table until their screenings were done. The most common ailment, high blood pressure (hypertension), was screened by a public health volunteer and nurses from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. The Diabetes Association and the Kidney Association both came from Belize City to perform glucose testing, and kidney checks. Rapid HIV/AIDS tests were done courtesy of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT).health-fair-san-pedro-sun-9
Meanwhile, the Health Education and Community Participation Bureau (HECOPAB) presented general health educational material to the crowd, and the San Pedro Cancer Society informed the public on the types of cancers that are commonly developed. The National Drug Abuse Control Council Belize (NDACC) also provided drug and alcohol screenings, while distributing information on the harms and effects of narcotics and alcohol.health-fair-san-pedro-sun-1
To keep the children entertain and engaged, Projects Abroad’s care and teaching volunteers manned a coloring area, and even performed a delightful puppet show for the children. A dental assistant also demonstrated to the children how to properly brush their teeth, giving them toothbrushes and toothpaste as a token of their participation afterwards.health-fair-san-pedro-sun-2
According to Projects Abroad Coordinator, Cora Guillen, RN, the health fair was a grand success. “I am all about promoting health in the community, and this health fair was to encourage wellness at any age. This event had a great turnout, and I was pleasantly surprised that people took the initiative to take advantage of the services provided,” said Guillen.

Projects Abroad would like to thank the San Pedro Lions Club, the community for their participation, and all of the volunteers for their assistance. They would also like to thank Bowen & Bowen, Blue Water Grill, Estel’s Dine by the Sea, Pineapples Restaurant, Elvi’s Kitchen, San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, and the San Pedro Town Council for their donations and generous support.

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