WEEKS of meticulous planning have paid dividends as the Orange Valley Community Centre's first Health Fair attracted well over 100 attendees during the four-hour event yesterday. Health Minister Nelson Bascome was also on hand and sampled most of what was offered during the event. According to one staff member she was delighted that Minister Bascome stayed almost an hour not only to visit the different areas of the fair but to give his blessing and commend them on the quality of their work.

The Government Health Department embarked on an ambitious three initiative plan to highlight the benefits on healthy eating to the Centre's staff and clients. Mrs. Karen McCottry, the Centre's administrator was among the dozen participants and was pleased with both her personal and the staff's results during a three-month period. "The staff under went a Blood Pressure test, a BMI (Body Mass Index) and had their weight recorded from January until March. We did walks and encouraged hydration with water as well as juice and we substituted regular eggs with Egg Beaters to avoid the intake of the 'bad 'cholesterol.

The second initiative involved the clients, who had their portions closely monitored to avoid overeating. They were provided with pedometers to record the distance they walked and we also encouraged the parents to walk with their kids and the feedback was excellent! We even had one parent provide us with an assortment of fresh fruit, which was really great. We also provide an aqua massage for our clients as well as those from the Opportunity Workshop. The sessions can last anywhere from three minutes or longer depending upon the client's needs. It is water and energy efficient, user friendly and the owner comes by monthly to perform routine maintenance.

The third initiative was the creation of the Health fair. It was a collective idea as most of us wanted to keep our resolution of losing weight in the New Year and we decided what can we come up with and the idea of having a health Fair was definitely a good idea;" she exclaimed.

Also on hand to lend their expertise was Cheryl Kerr, aka 'Sistah Sauté', whose experience in the Culinary Arts spans nearly three decades. Obvious elated to share her knowledge to an enthusiastic crowd she said;" I definitely enjoyed it and I'm glad the community can be educated when it comes to learning more about healthy eating and food preparation.' There was also a section on Food and Nutrition from the Department of Health, a blood pressure monitoring area courtesy of the Department of Community Health and the Diabetic Society also was on hand to test the attendees Blood Sugar levels.

Mrs. McCorttry praised her staff for their hard work and preparation in making the event a success. 'I have a good team and they help to enable (the clients) to improve their quality of life.' She also thanked Caseworker Yvette Santucci, whose invaluable knowledge of nutrition was an asset in yesterday's event and Para Professional Erica Swan who is a member of their health and Safety Team.

Equally impressed with the day's event was Mr. Warren Jones, permanent Secretary of Health who praised the Centre's efforts. "It's excellent for the Centre's first health Fair and it provides an opportunity for interaction and it is positive.'

Those on hand were not shy to try a bit of everything from the aqua massage to the foot detoxification. Mrs. Joanne Musson, one of the Centre's Caseworkers touted the aqua massages benefits. ' The clients really benefit from the session as it helps to increase blood circulation and hey love it. Even the clients who may have behavioural problems seem more relaxed after a session and we can adjust the duration of the session and we can program where a more concentrated massage is needed.'

The team of Para Professional Justin Dillas and Roshia Tucker who participates in the Centre's day program, prepared mouth watering, nutritious fruit smoothies in addition to a sumptuous display of culinary delights. Veggies wraps, fruit platters, Oat pancakes with apple topping and Tofu balls were just some of the goodies that kept the visitors making repeat visitors to the duos display area.

Those interested in learning more about the health fair or the Centre in general can contact Mrs. McCottry at 236-1582 or email her at kimccottrygov.bm