Celebrating Wellness for All Ages
By Office of the President | Sep 17, 2024
On September 8, 2024, University Hospital at Downstate (UHD) hosted its 3rd Annual Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair, thanks to a great collaboration among the Residency Program Coordinators Forum, Graduate Medical Education, Government & Community Relations, Strategic Planning, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion House Staff Council. This year’s fair, held on National Grandparents Day, focused on health awareness for older adults—a fitting tribute to the day.
There was something for everyone during the event. Attendees explored healthy lifestyle medicine through interactive presentations and essential health screenings like blood pressure checks, cancer screenings, and pediatric evaluations. UHD physicians, staff, and community partners offered a range of services, from vision assessments and yoga sessions to massages, cooking demonstrations, and CPR training, creating a full day of health and wellness. Plus, children received school backpacks to help them gear up for the new school year and enjoyed activities like a rock-climbing wall and various games. The FDNY Mobile Unit also provided CPR training for 115 people.
This year’s fair saw our largest turnout since its inception, with over 560 attendees! One of the key highlights was Michael Reinhardt, M.D., Director of the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Brooklyn Initiative to Develop Geriatrics Education. His insightful presentation below, on aging and caring for older adults, was a centerpiece of our new Senior Pavilion. The pavilion also featured various activities, including massages, line dancing with Grandma’s Hands, fitness sessions led by Tommy The Experience, and educational support from the Alzheimer’s Association.
As in previous years, we also honored some incredible individuals. Moro Salifu, M.D., MBA, MPH, MACP, Chair of the Department of Medicine, received the Hero Award. Ms. Linda Thompson, Mammography Registrar in Radiology, was recognized with the Service Excellence Award. Delphine Mendez De Leon, RN, MBA, MPH, UHD Chief Strategy Officer for Strategic Planning, received a Citation from NYS Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.
As part of our newly launched #KeepCareClose campaign, we also distributed 1,000 postcards to participants to remind fair participants that quality healthcare is available right here in our neighborhood at UHD.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers and vendors who made the fair possible and helped us reconnect with the community we serve. Check out some great photos from the day.
