From square dancing to square meals, from blood marrow registry
to blood pressure checks, Morgan Hill residents had the opportunity
Saturday to learn about living a healthy lifestyle and resources
available for members of the
”
sandwich generation.
”
Morgan Hill – From square dancing to square meals, from blood marrow registry to blood pressure checks, Morgan Hill residents had the opportunity Saturday to learn about living a healthy lifestyle and resources available for members of the “sandwich generation.”
More than 55 exhibitors participated in the day-long Chamber of Commerce
Health and Wellness Fair and Resources for the Sandwich Generation, held at the Centennial Recreation Center.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dan Ehrler said organizers estimated during the busiest times there were perhaps 1,200 people present, including exhibitors and attendees.
“I just can’t say enough about how pleased we were,” Ehrler said Monday. “We consider it a very big success. Of course, there are some things we learned, as well, that we need to work on for next year. We knew from the beginning that parking was going to be a challenge, and we also had weather challenges, but overall, we were thrilled with this inaugural event.”
The chamber has already picked a date for the second annual fair, Ehrler said.
“It’s April 26, and we hope everyone will mark their calendars and plan to attend or come back as an exhibitor,” he said.
There were only three or four “maybe” replies to the query asking exhibitors if they would return next year, out of the 52 event evaluations returned, Ehrler said.
“That’s outstanding, I think, especially for a first-time event,” he said.
Gilroy resident Shari Peet said she brought her two sons to the event, which included YMCA-organized kids’ activities, after hearing about it from a friend.
“What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon,” she said.
Representatives from the Morgan Hill Police Department and CALFIRE were on hand to talk to kids and their parents about safety, and a variety of exhibitors, including chiropractors, massage therapists, nutritionists, doctors, physical therapists and more were on hand to talk about health and wellness.
Dr. Walter Bortz, a noted Stanford University medical professor and author of “Dare to be 100,” which outlines a path to longevity, was keynote speaker for the event.
The fair was held on national YMCA Healthy Kids Day, and the YMCA had something for all kids, including Hula Hoop contests, line dancing, basketball and bobbing for fruit.
Some of the events scheduled outside, including some cooking demonstrations and some kids’ activities, were moved inside due to inclement weather, but, Ehrler said, everything still was very smooth.
The blood marrow donor registry was successful as well, he added.
“More people came in to register to be a blood marrow donor at this event than at any other event where the registry has been before,” he said.
The event’s purpose, Ehrler said, was to put people in touch with resources, and he believes the goal was met.
Health and fitness is an issue nationwide as more and more children are obese, and people are living longer.
“I really think as we move forward the only way to live healthy lives is to learn to exercise and eat right,” said Maureen Drewniany, a certified medical hypnotherapist in Morgan Hill who is chairing the event’s planning committee. “Hopefully we’re teaching our children that … how to make good choices.”
