LAPLACE – In an effort to educate St. John the Baptist Parish residents on health and wellness choices and encourage them to embrace healthier lifestyles, the Department of Health and Human Services will sponsor a free health and wellness fair on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Regala Gymnasium.
The fair will host various local agencies such as River Parishes Hospital, St. John Parish Health Unit, St. John Parish Teche Action Clinic, Gem Drugs and the St. Charles Community Health Center.
Free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, weight/body mass index and cholesterol will be administered.   The St. John Parish Office of Fire Services will also be on hand to provide fire prevention tips and CPR demonstrations. Residents can obtain important information on various health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, high
cholesterol and behavioral health during question and answer sessions that will be given every 15 minutes. Educational handouts and promotional giveaways will be available as well.   
“The importance of the health and wellness fair is to provide screening services to the community and share valuable health education and information,” said DHHS Director Rhonda Lemons. “Teaching prevention and practicing good health habits help to identify potential health-related problems that can be eliminated or prevented from becoming serious,” she added.  
The health fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Regala Gymnasium, located at 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve. The fair is open to the public at no charge. For more information, call DHHS at 985-536-4955.