Find local health resources all in one place at Saturday’s Community Wellness Fair

Chicagoland weather is hard to predict but consistently cold weather is on its way, and cold and flu season is already here.

In response, New Trier Township is putting residents in a room with a number of health professionals for its inaugural Fall Fest: Community Wellness Fair from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Road in Northfield.

The debut event will offer flu and COVID-19 booster shots (while supplies last) and health screenings for blood pressure, glucose levels and more. More than 20 stations will feature interactive wellness activities.

Township Supervisor Gail Eisenberg, of Wilmette, is credited with coming up with the event and said the spread of COVID-19 has put a focus on public health.

“The pandemic made it clear that public health and preventative screenings are extremely important to the community,” she said. “I wanted to offer this as a service to our residents.”

The wellness fair is open to all ages and will also feature family-friendly activities, such as touch-a-truck and pick-a-pumpkin sections.

The idea, Eisenberg said, was to put as many physical and mental health resources as are reasonable in one space.

“Everybody deserves access to health care,” she said. “This is an opportunity for people to have a one-stop shop.

“I think residents should come with an open mind and learn more about their own health and the resources available in our community.”

Participating organizations include the Cancer Wellness Center, Family Service Center of Glencoe, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Meals on Wheels, CKF Acupuncture, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chrio One and Sunrise Massage, Counseling Center of the North Shore, and North Shore Community Health Center of Evanston.

Demonstrations begin at 10:30 with balance and strength, followed by strength and breathe at 11 a.m., chair exercise at 11:30 a.m. and cardio boxing at noon.

Eisenberg added the event is not meant to replace regular physician visits. She thanked the North Shore Senior Center for giving up the space for the fair.

With questions or for more information on the event, contact Julie Koenigsberger at jkoenigsberger@newtriertownship.com.

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