SSRH’s Health Community Fair set for May 13

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital will host its fifth annual health fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, on the hospital grounds, located at 603 N. Progress Ave. Formerly known as the ER Kids Fair & Health Expo, the Healthy Community Fair will include all of the fun and attractions of the ER Kids Fair but also will include information for all ages.

There will be two new attractions featured this year. The first will be live demonstrations every 15 to 30 minutes including demos on cooking, yoga, self-defense and more. The second new feature is just for children ages 12 and younger — a Candy Obstacle Course.

“This course will position candy as the villains while kids go through different elements along the course such as Gumball Gorge and Taffy Tangle,” said event coordinator and SSRH Marketing Director Rebecca Pearrow. “At the end of the course, they will receive a medal and nutrition information that positively promotes the importance of fruits and vegetables in a diet and teaches children that sugary foods aren’t the best option when facing obstacles.”

The annual event also includes: health and wellness information activities with vendors from all over Arkansas and Oklahoma; a family tricycle ride; the annual teddy bear clinic in the SSRH emergency room; safety experts; emergency services vehicles including a helicopter which children can tour; an “Operation” station in the health expo tent; bounce houses; a smoke house hosted by Siloam Springs Fire Department which educates children on what to do in the event of a house fire; an exhibit by the Arkansas Forestry Commission; and more.

“When planning the event this year, we decided to change the name of the health fair in an effort to let the community know the event is for all ages — not just children — and also introduce our new community program,” Pearrow said. “SSRH is committed to being a leader of health in the area and we’ve responded to our supporters’ requests for more outreach promoting fitness and how to take care of their families. We’ve created a new outreach program — Healthy Community — a hospital resource offering information, activities, collaboration and education designed to help people gain confidence to make informed lifestyle and health choices.”

Free refreshments will be available for everyone to enjoy while they spend the day learning more about safety and health. A registration table will be located near the expo tent for participants to checkin when they arrive.

For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com or call 479-215-3125.