Rush University Medical Center's Annual "Spring Into Health And Fitness Fair"

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 22 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Free health screenings, school physicals, immunizations and health counseling will be available at the 4th annual Rush University Medical Center "Spring into Health and Fitness Fair" on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL), 2750 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago.

Rush University's student-run organization RU Caring and the medical center's healthy aging program Rush Generations have partnered with Chicago Christian Industrial League, the Salvation Army, the Chicago Department of Public Health, Union League Boy's and Girl's Clubs, Medical Library Associates and several small nonprofit organizations to provide better access to healthcare for underserved communities from across the city of Chicago. Organizers hope to reach over 1000 people with the focus on children and seniors.

The "Spring Into Health and Fitness Fair" will offer school and sports physicals for students; immunizations; screenings for chronic diseases like diabetes hypertension and asthma; services for seniors; dental services; vision screenings; rapid HIV testing; health education services; nutritional/obesity counseling and referrals to free clinics as needed.

Over 600 volunteers, 400 of them students, faculty, medical and professional nursing staff from Rush University Medical Center will provide the screenings and physicals. The Chicago Department of Public Health has provided the supplies for free immunizations. Participants should bring all immunization records with them. Representatives from community clinics will be on hand to schedule any needed follow-up appointments.

In addition to the health screenings, a number of community groups and organizations, including The Chicago Children's Museum, will offer fun activities for all ages. At the fitness activity center, participants can play dancing videogames and learn hip hop yoga. Older adults will enjoy the 'Sit and Be Fit' program. The Rush Simulation Lab will offer medical demonstrations to help encourage students to pursue healthcare careers.

Rush students from a wide range of disciplines are participating, including medicine, nursing, speech disorders, occupational therapy, audiology, health systems management and clinical laboratory sciences. The students will work under the supervision of Rush attending physicians, nurse practitioners, professional nursing staff and faculty.

"RU Caring and the health fair are key components of the community benefits Rush offers annually to people in need from the west side and greater Chicago area," said Sharon D. Gates, MA, director of Rush University Community Services. "With RU Caring, not only are our nursing and medical students getting hands-on leadership experience in the community, but they are witnessing first hand the impact that they can make as health professionals."

An estimated one million people in the Chicago metropolitan area are living without health insurance. The "Spring Into Health and Fitness Fair" will provide much needed care to this growing demographic.

"I'm flattered CCIL was selected as the venue for hosting Rush University Medical Center's Annual 2008 Spring Into Health and Fitness Fair. Persistent poverty has put many Chicagoans at risk for a variety of health conditions. The city-wide health fair is a wonderful opportunity for many agencies to join forces and provide much needed services to those who otherwise would have no resources," said Judy McIntyre, CCIL Executive Director.

Registration is not required. All services are free. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. For more information contact Sharon Gates at 312-942-3670.

About Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center is an academic medical center that encompasses the more than 600 staffed-bed hospital (including Rush Children's Hospital), the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center and Rush University. Rush University, with more than 1,270 students, is home to one of the first medical schools in the Midwest, and one of the nation's top-ranked nursing colleges. Rush University also offers graduate programs in allied health and the basic sciences. Rush is noted for bringing together clinical care and research to address major health problems, including arthritis and orthopedic disorders, cancer, heart disease, mental illness, neurological disorders and diseases associated with aging.

Rush University Medical Center

About Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL)

Founded in 1909, CCIL is one of the largest non-profit organizations empowering homeless individuals and families in rebuilding their lives by providing the highest quality employment, housing, counseling and health services. Please visit ccilworks.org or ccil-2750.blogspot.com for more information.

Chicago Christian Industrial League