Heights Hosts Health Fair and Expo

Everything one could possibly need to help keep one's health in check was available at the annual health fair this weekend.

The ninth annual event, presented by the borough's Board of Health, featured numerous local health professionals and organizations which were on hand in the to provide residents with free samples, information and tips. Tons of door prizes were being raffled off. Participants were seen carrying out large baskets of goodies, including fruit baskets from 17 Farmer's Market in Rutherford and Edible Arrangements.

John Choi of 17 Farmer's Market handed out apples, oranges, corn and tomatoes to anyone who stopped by his table. Choi said he knows most of the people in attendance are his customers so giving out some fresh produce was a nice little way to say "thank you."

Participants floated from table to table taking in all the many health-related options available. Care One at Wellington was on hand with information also providing healthy refreshments like fruit salad and muffins.

Vicki Avila and Kit Wong-Khoo of the Heights-based Sojourners Family Resource Center, were giving out samples of NutraMetrix, an isotonix vitamin supplement. Wong-Khoo explained the body is better able to absorb the nutrients from this isotonix drink than it can from some supplements that come in pill form. Many believe they are doing the right thing by taking vitamins but in many cases they are not getting the maximum benefits from the pill form, Avila explained.

Dorothy Bernice was on hand representing Melaleuca organic products. No chemicals are used at all in these products. She pointed out that the bottle of  Sol-u-mel cleaner does not have a child-proof cap on it because if someone were to drink it, he or she would be fine because it’s made of only natural ingredients.

Hackensack-based dentist Tara K. Broderick was on hand to give out information about general, family and cosmetic dentistry. Even her daughter Dilyn played a role sporting blue scrubs and white doctor's coat.

Local businesses such as andr gave out information and William R. Postman, Jr., of , counselors at law, was on hand to provide information on living wills. Postman says many people don’t realize how important it is  to have an advanced directive, so he comes to the health fair each year to provide this information. He says he likes to support the local health fair and has been doing so for the past five years or so.

Safety was also a focus of the health fair event Saturday. John Riordan, captain of the borough’s was on hand with a slew of information on everything on from how to fire-proof the home, tips about smoke detectors and information about how to join the fire department and EMS as they can always use more members.

Riordan said on this same day about a dozen of the department’s volunteer fire fighters were training in Mahwah. He said they could take part in live burn scenarios, where they can experience the heat of a fire and practice putting it out. If they aren’t out doing public awareness or saving lives, they are still training, he commented.

members was also on hand collecting unwanted and expired medicines as part of the state-wide Take Back New Jersey effort. Mid-way through the event, they already had almost two boxes fill of unwanted medicines which they will dispose of safely, said Sgt. Joseph Rinke.

Members of the Board of Health, which put this event together, were on hand to give out information about local and county services for seniors, support groups and caregivers.

Participants were able to get free blood pressure screenings provided by H.A.R.P., Health Awareness Regional Program of Hackensack University Medical Center. Blood screenings and prostrate cancer screenings were conducted for those who registered in advance.