INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A few hundred seniors came out to the Indian River Mall Wednesday in search of health-related information, blood pressure screenings and other freebies.
“I came to get fixed up,” said Vero Beach resident Joan, who declined to give her last name. She said she wanted to get her blood pressure and sugar levels checked.
Her husband, Bill, was impressed by Treasure Coast Community Health, which was one of several vendors at the mall’s annual Senior Health Fair.
“I didn’t know about them,” he said. “They seem worthwhile.”
Lynn Smith, of Vision Plus located at US 1 and Oslo Road in South Vero, said this was her first – but not last – time participating in the fair.
“It’s been wonderful,” Smith said, adding that she’s seen existing patients and believes she’s reached out to new ones as well.
“We’re getting a lot of positive responses,” she said.
Smith said Vision Plus has participated in other such fairs at Indian River Estates and at Piper Aircraft – but they don’t compare to the one at the mall, which is well-organized and had a good turnout.
Carrie Ludicke, public relations officer New Vision Eye Center, was equally impressed with the health fair.
“It’s been nice and steady,” she said of the crowd. “We love being here.”
Four hours into the event, Ludicke said her team had screened approximately 75 people’s vision.
Cindy Veator, of Jensen Beach, drove up to Sebastian to pick up her mother, Joy Rapp, who told her about the health fair.
“She really wanted to come – and I had to drive her,” Veator said as her mom, not wanting to waste time talking, continued on to the next vendor.
“I wanted to see what health options there are,” Veator said. Her mom was more interested in health insurance.
Along with vendors set up to screen vision, blood pressure and test sugar levels, the VNA was on hand to provide flu shots ahead of flu season.
“We’ve been very busy, very steady today,” said Maggie Creelman, the VNA’s community wellness clinical coordinator.
They had administered about 100 shots with two hours yet to go. Creelman said the number is lower than in the past but explained there are far more places and opportunities for people to get their flu shots than before.
“We’re very grateful,” Peggy Benton, RN, said of those who choose to get their flu shot through the VNA. Funds raised from the flu shots go back into the VNA’s mission of helping to provide medical care for the uninsured and underinsured.