Residents Take Advantage of Health Fair at IIT
Residents Take Advantage of Health Fair at IIT
By Monique Smith
One of the many issues that members of the black community face is the state of the black community’s health. Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter in partnership with State Representative Sonya Harper recently hosted her 13th Annual Health Fun and Fitness Fair at the Illinois Institute of Technology on 33rd and State.
Members of the community were offered free eye and dental exams, health screenings, fitness services, nutrition information, food, prizes and more.
“As Chicagoan’s, we should remember to take care of our loved ones by doing everything we can to make our communities stronger and healthier,” said Hunter.
According to WebMD, the seven deadly diseases that plague African Americans more than any other racial or ethnic group include: diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, lung sarcoidosis, lung cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease.
The data goes on to cite that blacks develop high blood pressure earlier in life and with much higher blood pressure levels than whites. Nearly 42% of black men and more than 45% of black women aged 20 and older will have high blood pressure. The most dangerous thing about many of these diseases is that people suffering from these illnesses can go symptom free for quite some time before being diagnosed with the illness.
According to the American Institute for Preventative Medicine, health fairs are important because they help to assess and alert people of their potential health risks. At health fairs, various booths are set up from local hospitals, to universities, as well as wellness and preventive medicine vendors to help educate attendees about a variety of health issues. Health care providers also encourage people to follow up with their doctors for their preventive care screenings.
Hunter’s health fair was well attended and included special performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, the South Shore Drill Team, the Vandercook College of Music Drum Circle and Paula Hand Hula Hoops.
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