The Big H.I.T.S. foundation wanted to shed light on the health fair so they partnered with the Maranatha Church. This is the foundation's third year participating in the fair. "Most importanly we're giving away food and you can learn how to help yourself live a healthier life," said Ernie Sims.
The activities at the Fairgrounds filled three rooms, jammed packed with vendors from the New Leaf Market, STD/HIV Program, Tallahassee Senior Center to Success Athletic Training. The Church's main goal of the fair is get people to come out with families and to be informed about their health.
Local residents form a line to receive free fresh food.
Church member and organizer Natalie Word said the fitness fair was started five years ago by the former church pastor Willie Taylor, who wanted church ministries to serve the community. "For us it's important," Word said. "Simply because we have a chance to let the people come out and receive free healthcare. We bring as many healthcare providers as we can here."
The Leon County Health Department gave free blood pressure readings for children and adults. They also provided pamphlets on hypertension and ways to eat healthier to reduce blood pressure.
Leon County Health Departments gives pamphlets and free blood pressure screenings
Shirley English, a church member informs the community at the church's health message table about the correlation with foods and health illnesses. "Our health message promotes dealing with those diseases without necessarily being on medication."
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According to Heart.org, eating foods that are low in sodium, saturated and trans fats can help reduce the risks of heart attack diseases and stroke. The "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (D.A.S.H.) plan is clinical proven effective for reducing blood pressure. The diet includes low fat dairy foods, fruits and vegetables.
The Maranatha Church gave out boxes of fresh peppers, carrots and tomatoes.
Besides eating healthy, the community was encourage to exercise on a daily basis. Mark Liles, the CEO and president of Success Athletic Training showcased at-home workouts. "This is our third time here," said Liles. "We really believe it's for a good cause. It's supposed this area probably wouldn't get the knowledge and experiences as far as health education and fitness education."
The pastor of the Maranatha Church said this event was a way for the church to reach out the community and foster a relationship. "We're not trying to get anything from the community we just want to give back,"said Pastor Newton. "We want to try to tell the community that you only have one life, one chance to live and one of the things that you should do is try to live a healthier life."
