Thousands attend Annual Health and Safety [El Chicano Weekly]

Thousands attended Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's 9 th Annual Health and Safety Fair on the hospital's grounds this past Saturday for an event that emphasized health and safety.

ARMC is a Level 2 Trauma Center, where its around-the-clock staff of ER surgeons, doctors and nurses treat the most serious injuries, mostly sustained from car accidents. It was this trauma department that suggested ARMC host a fair that emphasized and educated the community about safety. That original goal of safety has since been expanded to incorporate raising awareness about personal health and the obesity epidemic.

"We aim to raise awareness for health and safety and provide to the community guidance and instruction on how to stay healthy and safe," said Justine Rodriguez, ARMC Business Development & Marketing. "We also focus on the obesity epidemic that impacts both children and adults through health screening, consultation and nutrition information."

Roughly 2,000 community members attended the fair, and according to statistics released by ARMC, 2,844 screenings were conducted for height and weight, body mass index, blood pressure, vision, cholesterol and glucose, including 844 screenings for children and 2,000 adult screenings. Six hundred twenty six individuals participated in the free health screenings and 517 free flu shots were administered to adults.

"This is one of our largest community outreach events," said ARMC Director Patrick Petre. "We are pleased that so many residents were able to take part in the free health screenings, free flu shots, and safety demonstrations."

This year's health fair also featured a live heart attack and stroke scenario; BMX Freestyle bike safety demonstration; live auto accident/trauma scenario; live fire safety demonstration; DUI goggles to try while "driving;" a "Kids 'N Cars" traffic safety experience, and many health and safety related vendors and exhibitors.

"My kids were shocked by the car accident demonstration, it definitely got their attention, and I'm glad because they get to see the very real dangers of texting while driving," said Martha Ruiz of Rialto. "My family doesn't have health insurance and this event at least lets us get a basic physical."

ARMC stages various free community outreach events each year, including a walk/run, stroke awareness event and healthy cooking seminars. ARMC will also be holding its free cancer awareness and screening event on Saturday, Nov. 5.

ARMC Registered Nurse Cheryl Meis gives a local resident a flu shot Saturday during ARMCs 9th Annual Community Health and Safety Fair. ARMC provided 517 free flu shots.

Eric Arnott from ARMC Facility's Management Dept. emceed the raffle giveaway.

A crowd watches intently as Colton Fire and Police personnel tend to an accident "victim" during a mock automobile accident demonstration Saturday during ARMCs 9th Annual Community Health and Safety Fair.

Still smeared from the "blood" of the car accident demonstration, Patrick Petre, ARMC CEO, is joined by Dan Flores, Chief of Staff for County Supervisor and Chair Josie Gonzales, Mayor Sarah Zamora and ARMC Executive Director Frank Reyes.