Community Health: Valley Health's Community Wellness Festival

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health, in this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Mike Wade, chair of the organizing committee, to share details about this year's Community Wellness Festival, held at the Apple Blossom Mall in partnership with Shenandoah University on Saturday, February 22 from 10am - 5pm. The event promises a day filled with health, fitness, and community spirit.  The festival, celebrating its 31st year, is an annual event that brings together more than 80 exhibitors, including Valley Health Services and other community organizations. It aims to offer something for everyone, from health education to fitness demonstrations. Mike highlighted the festival's growth and dedication to public wellness. Since moving to the Apple Blossom Mall, the festival has become a community hub for health education. 'The mall is a very non-threatening and accessible environment,' said Wade, 'It's a great place for the festival, and we get to pull in people who might not have known about it otherwise.' This year's festival will have a wide array of events tailored for all age groups. For children, Shenandoah University's Nursing program will lead the Healthy Kids experience, featuring health education activities and giveaways. 'It's a great way for kids to start learning about healthy habits,' Janet noted. One of the festival's biggest draws is the variety of free and low-cost health screenings available. Services include blood pressure checks, cardiovascular screenings, and blood glucose testing. 'It's an initial entry point checkup,' said Wade. 'If your blood pressure reads high, you'll be advised to contact your primary care physician for follow-up.' Additionally, there will be fitness demonstrations running throughout the day, showcasing activities like Irish dancing and music therapy by Shenandoah University. A unique highlight is the boxing program for patients with Parkinson's disease. For those unfamiliar with virtual health visits, the festival offers a practical demonstration led by Valley Health Urgent Care. Attendees can experience a mock virtual visit to understand the process better, making it easier to opt for telehealth services in the future. Wade mentioned the community spirit palpable at the festival. 'I have people I call my festival friends,' he said, elaborating that he looks forward to seeing familiar faces each year. The festival not only provides health resources but also fosters this sense of camaraderie and collective wellbeing. Find more information on their website: ValleyHealthLink.com/WellnessFestival  To hear more conversations in this Community Health series, click here.