By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

NORCO – The staff of the St. Charles Community Health Center invited residents of all three River Parishes to examine their physical condition during their health and wellness event in Norco on Saturday.
While the event was targeted toward diabetics, any member of the community was welcome to attend and utilize the free screenings. The fair was co-sponsored by Voice of Truth Fellowship Church of LaPlace. In addition to blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, the fair featured foot screenings by podiatrist Dr. Yacara Tabb, a giveaway of diabetic shoes and free food and music and prizes for all who attended.
78-year-old Caroline Cole said the staff at the event was very helpful and pleasant — pleasant enough to let her take home a free pair of brand new diabetic shoes.
“If you’re a diabetic, you need to take care of your feet. A lot of times, some people (particularly senior citizens) just can’t do it. You have to protect your feet, because if you don’t, it’s going to get worse,” she said.
Participating vendors included the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Department, Walgreens, Louisiana Health Connection and others. Sheree Wilson of Access Health Louisiana said the goal of the event was to make the community, particularly more vulnerable populations, aware of health care options. Wilson said it doesn’t matter whether the person in question is insured or uninsured.
“We still have people that have a lot of needs. We’re out here to help the people of the community. We want to make sure that all people in the community are served with dignity. They’re not treated with a number here,” said Wilson.