TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Check The Medicine Cabinet Saturday

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 10, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - Fall is when many people begin to turn their thoughts toward the holidays.

Cheri Donohue, executive director of the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce, has other considerations in the forefront of her mind.

'It's also a good time to focus on health issues, especially with flu season approaching,' she said.

Toward that end, she and chamber member Kristi Campbell have put together the chamber's first Health Fair & Operation Medicine Cabinet on Saturday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. They hope to make it an annual event.

On site will be registered nurses from University Community Hospital who will provide flu shots and health test packages that include blood pressure readings, cholesterol level checks and simple or detailed glucose screenings, the latter of which requires fasting for at least 12 hours. Flu shots are $25, and screening prices range from $20 to $25. All the procedures are free to those who present their Medicare cards.

'Our mission is preventive health care and education, and we pride ourselves in serving the community,' said UCH's Diana Funk, who will be heading the initiative.
Florida Blood Services will be on site for those interested in donating blood.

'There's always an ongoing need,' said Lory Jones, a community relations representative for the organization. 'Last week alone we supplied 38 area hospitals with 3,900 pints.'

Jose Bustamante, owner of Bay Area Neuroclinic, plans to show up with his massage chair in hand to give free neck and shoulder rubdowns.

Representatives from the Shriners Hospital for Children - Tampa Unit are expected to help educate fair attendees about the importance of building healthy bones in children.

'We want to be present at this event because it's of value to this community, and it's a good opportunity for the people in the community to learn more about us,' said outreach coordinator Jeanine Fuentes.

Scott Andrews of the Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation Department, who heads up its fitness center and wellness programs, will be there to offer tips on exercising and healthy eating.

Diane Williamson of Blount & Curry Funeral Homes' Terrace Oaks Chapel will answer questions about end-of-life issues. Campbell, who represents Operation Medicine Cabinet, is encouraging visitors to bring their unused and/or expired medications to the event for proper disposal. The program is sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, the business she owns.

'This is a way to help seniors from accidentally taking the wrong medications, and it's also meant to keep thieves from stealing them,' she said. 'It also protects our waterways from the harmful pollution drugs cause.'

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Health Fair & Operation Medicine Cabinet

WHERE: Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9715 N. 56th St.

WHEN: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

INFORMATION: Call (813) 989-7004 or e-mail cdonohue @templeterracechamber.com.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT