By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Close to 100 area senior citizens got the opportunity to participate in a wide range of free health screenings Thursday as part of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council on Aging’s annual health fair.

Residents packed the Frank G. Lapeyrolerie and Leola Montz Senior Center in Reserve and received screenings for blood sugar, blood pressure, vision, bone density and grip strength from nurses and technicians from River Parishes Hospital. The activity also featured a talk with a hospital physician about various health topics.

“It’s our way of encouraging them to be more aware of their health and what they can do to correct negative habits,” said Tammy Waltz, marketing director for River Parishes Hospital. “Doctors and nurses spoke to them about the benefits of exercise, strengthening bone mass and lowering cholesterol.”

Cheryl Parquet, director of the senior center said the Council on Aging received several donations from area churches and business to help with funding for the health fair and other events. She said Thursday’s fair was part of an ongoing partnership between the Council on Aging and the hospital that began last year.