Groveland Twp.- A free, possibly life-saving opportunity will be available to the community this month.
The second annual Ortonville Health and Safety Expo will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 21, in the Oakwood Plaza, 250 N. Ortonville Road (Bueche’s parking lot).
The expo includes a variety of fun activities, giveaways, and free health screenings including blood pressure, total cholesterol and glucose, stroke risk, hearing and vision tests and more. Patients will get their results, printed out, instantly.
‘We’ve come across quite a few people with high blood pressure problems and were able to direct them to a primary care physician,? said Nena Woodall, manager of M-15 Urgent Care, an expo sponsor. ‘The idea (for the health expo) originally came because we saw a lot of people in this area without insurance. They don’t go to the doctor because they can’t afford it. If we do this at least once a year, they will know where they are (with their health numbers).?
Volunteers at the event will also do body mass index (BMI) consultations, and advise guests what they can do to reduce that number, as well as decrease their risk for stroke, diabetes, or heart problems.
In addition to the health screenings, a dentist will be on site; Anytime Fitness will hold mini-Zumba classes; the Michigan State Police will offer children identification kits; and there will be free smoke alarms, gun locks, and bikes helmets for the first 1,250 children. Car seat inspections will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with priority to scheduled appointments (call 248-338-5389).
Mike Gaylord from Everything Classic will offer free antique appraisals and food, prizes, face painting and a bounce house are also part of the fun.
‘This is a thank you from us and McLaren Oakland, Genisys Credit Union and United Healthcare, thanking the community that we are involved in,? said Woodall. ‘I think the health expo brings awareness and not only do the adults get health info, but there are fun things for the kids and it’s all for free.?
For more information, call Nena Woodall at 248-793-7113.