Westlake hosts free safety and wellness fair May 20
The City of Westlake and University Hospitals St. John Medical Center are again joining forces to present the annual free Community Safety and Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Westlake Recreation Center, 28955 Hilliard Blvd.
The day begins with a flag ceremony and a color guard of military veterans and safety forces members in recognition of Armed Forces Day and to honor those who keep our communities safe and healthy. The flag to be presented was flown over the U.S. Capitol building with the assistance of U.S. Congressman Jim Renacci.
“Accidents, injuries, illnesses, and drug and alcohol abuse can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. We remain committed to providing the best emergency and safety services to help those who are affected by them,” said Mayor Dennis Clough. “However, if we can help prevent or reduce the impact of some of those incidents, more people can enjoy a higher quality of life.”
“We have long appreciated the contributions University Hospitals St. John Medical Center has made to the citizens of Westlake,” he continued. “The Community Safety and Wellness Fair was born out of their frequent collaborations with our Community Services and Recreation Departments on Westlake health projects. It is quickly becoming a valuable tool to bring City departments, our partners in the city, and the public together to share information and provide fruitful interaction that will have long-term benefits.”
Visitors arriving at the Westlake Recreation Center will be welcomed by Touch-a-Truck with emergency and service vehicles from the city’s police, fire and service departments, Patton’s Towing tow truck, and special displays. Their staff will be on hand to answer questions and give out printed materials and surprises for the children. The SWAT Team and bomb squad may be available. The University Hospitals Medivac helicopter will land at 12:30 p.m., weather permitting. Also, Weber’s Premium Custard & Ice Cream will offer old-fashioned ice cream.
The screenings, live demonstration, exhibitors and children’s activities all take place inside the recreation center.
“University Hospitals St. John Medical Center is dedicated to make sure that the communities we serve have access to health screenings and information that can keep them safe and healthy. We are here for ALL community members, not just the patients within our hospital,” said Paul Forthofer, Manager of Community Outreach at UH SJMC. “There will be information and activities for all ages. Our focus is on increasing personal safety and wellness while also increasing the visibility of health and safety resources. We love our community and we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, May 20.”
UH SJMC nurses and other health professionals will conduct biometric health screenings and cancer screenings in the community rooms. Among the screenings offered are blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol, BMI, glucose, oral cancer, skin cancer, and speech and hearing. In the gym, other health professionals will provide information on radon education and awareness, respiratory, cardiac and women’s health, ticks and Lyme disease, and more. They will also answer questions raised by the giant inflatable colon and learn about digestive health.
Live demonstrations in the gym range from how to use a fire extinguisher, life jacket and nautical safety, fitness evaluation, Emergency 911 calls, and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Simulator to Ohio Search and Rescue dogs, University Hospitals Pet Pals therapy dogs, and the Cleveland Metroparks K-9 Unit. The Cleveland Browns' Chomps and Westlake PD’s Safety Pup will greet children of all ages.
More than 60 exhibitors are expected to share their expertise on a variety of topics. Additional UH SJMC staff members from various departments and representatives from the City of Westlake's community services, fire, police, recreation and service departments will be on hand. UH Emergency Medical Services will distribute free smoke detectors, one per household while quantities last.
Other exhibitors include the Alzheimer's Association, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Fin, Feather and Fur (Outdoor Safety), Home Depot (DIY Safety), Rite Aid (Prescription Safety and Diabetes Management Equipment), Library for the Blind, Massage Heights (Chair Massage), Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies, The Gathering Place, UH Sports Institute, Westlake Porter Public Library, Whole Foods Market (Organic and Chemical Free), YMCA (Pre-Diabetes) and many more.
Families will find many opportunities to engage even young children at the fair in healthy living habits while having lots of fun. In addition to Touch-a-Truck, dogs who are trained for different roles, and visiting with Chomps and Safety Pup mentioned above, they can give teddy bears wellness and health check-ups at University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital's Teddy Bear Clinic. They can put out a fire during the fire extinguisher simulation. DJ Easy will provide the musical entertainment and get them dancing. The inflatable bounce house and slide will keep them moving. Yoga for Kids will teach basic techniques.
Attendees are encouraged to use the fair’s hashtag, #WestlakeSafetyFair, to share what they have learned or enjoyed most. For a complete list of exhibitors, subject to change, and more details can be found at www.cityofwestlake.org/safety-fair.