With the coming of fall also comes cold and flu season. Cooler
weather and shorter days keep people inside more, leading to the
exchange of more germs.
With the coming of fall also comes cold and flu season. Cooler weather and shorter days keep people inside more, leading to the exchange of more germs.
Recognizing this phenomenon, Gilroy Presbyterian Church invites South County residents to its fifth annual Health Faire emphasizing disease prevention from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27.
The church’s Health Ministry Team has arranged for a wide variety of resources to be available to South County residents, free-of-charge or for a nominal fee. It will be held in the church’s Social Hall at 6000 Miller Ave.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend to take advantage of any or all of these opportunities:
• cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure testing
• hearing, vision, and glaucoma screening
• dental advice
• flu shots and pneumonia vaccine
• massage therapy
• information on safe food handling techniques and nutrition
• information on children’s health issues
• information from the Red Cross about blood donations, disaster preparedness, and more
• a reasonably-priced breakfast
This Health Faire for the public is just one aspect of Gilroy Presbyterian’s innovative Health Ministries Program, coordinated by Andy Viale with a team of volunteers. It provides health care information and support to parishioners and other community members through outreach activities focused on “maintaining health and wholeness of mind, body, and spirit.” This ministry is responsible for such activities as:
• visiting shut-ins, checking basic medical functions, serving as liaison between patients and other health care providers, informing people of resources available in the community.
• disease prevention through offering courses on topics like nutrition, exercise, stress-reduction.
• health awareness through guest speakers such as pharmacists and psychologists.
• free use of health devices like canes, crutches, and walkers.
One goal of GPC Health Ministries is to spread this valuable program to other congregations. They are anxious to assist other churches in developing similar ministries. And since services are currently provided to people outside the GPC congregation, additional volunteers from the community would be welcome to help expand the program’s reach.
For more information call 842-3000.
