By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish residents can benefit from free health screenings, flu shots and informational sessions when the parish hosts a Health and Wellness Fair and Meet the Pharmacist Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at the St. John Community Center, located at 2900 Highway 51 in LaPlace.

Parish Director of Health and Human Services Rhonda Lemons said the day consists of a bevy of activities, including exercise and meditation demonstrations, as well as the chance for residents to bring all of their medications — including prescriptions, vitamins and over-the-counter medicine — for a free consultation with a pharmacist.

Parish Public Information Office Baileigh Rebowe said residents who attend would obtain important medical information regarding various health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and behavioral health. She said numerous local agencies are participating, including the St. John Parish Health Unit, St. John Parish Teche Action Clinic, Gem Drugs and St. John Council on Aging.

Rebowe said free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol will be administered at the event, and the St. John Parish Office of Fire Services will be on hand to provide fire prevention tips and CPR demonstrations. For more information, call the Department of Health and Human Services at 985-536-4955.