St. James Hospital celebrates health

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 9, 2000

DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / May 9, 2000

LUTCHER – St. James Parish residents were recently treated to a host offree screenings and tests at the St. James Parish Hospital’s Open House andCommunity Health Fair. The fair also presented free seminars on currenthealth concerns from childhood illnesses to stress management.

“It’s our 45th anniversary, and we wanted to celebrate by showing our appreciation to St. James for supporting us so many years,” said RachaelBecnel, the hospital’s Psychiatric Center nurse manager.

Along with the free health evaluations, the hospital also gave away daily door prizes and held a drawing for a gas barbecue grill.

The event drew around 50 people a day, said Becnel. The staff offeredchildren’s activities like space walks, immunizations, finger painting, ambulance tours and other events to keep the kids entertained while their parents attended the seminars and tests.

Also attending and staffing informational booths were the Louisiana Organ Procurement Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Chandra Snyder of Mt. Airy spoke of the opportunity totake the tests: “It’s good because my momma had a heart attack so I thought I’d come in and get my blood pressure checked.””We thought the fair would be good chance to help the community be more educated about different illnesses and what to do to take care of themselves,” Becnel said. “Also, it’s a good reminder that it’s not to late toget into better health.”

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