Spreading the word on healthy options at a Tararua expo

If you wanted to know about health issues like diabetes, cancer, sleep apnoea, methamphetamines and a multitude of other ailments the Woodville Stadium was the place to go on Saturday May 26.

Woodville Lions were running their Monster Garage Sale but the Tararua women Lions provided a service for the community — spreading the word on health.

There were 22 organisations scattered around the stadium, each providing support for people with health issues and offering services and supplements.

Major organisations like Mid Central Health and the Central Primary Health Organisation, Sport Manawatu¯ , Rangita¯ ne’s Te Kete Hauora and the Tararua Health Group were all present to explain their roles in keeping Tararua’s population healthy.

There were organisations which targeted specific groups like Youthline, Tararua Safer Seniors, Tararua Supporting Families in Mental Illness, Pahiatua Community Services Trust and Heartland Services.

There were specialists in reflexology, massage, health supplements and Tai Chi.

In the background groups like the Bush Rock n’ Roll Club and the Boot Scooters Line Dancers entertained, offering options for people young and old while Woodville Radio broadcast outside.

Organiser Sharon Jones said the expo was a first time for her club and she was pleased with the response from both health-related organisations and the Woodville public for coming along.

She hopes her club might make this an annual event, alternating between Woodville and Pahiatua.

Basillia Siriett gratefully receives some foot care from Sole to Soul Reflexology. The Tararua Addiction Support Network was promoting the anti-meth message, below.

Morna McFarlane of Sport Manawatu¯ offers a keep fit option from its Green Prescription Programme, left.

Children from the Bush Rock n’ Roll Club entertained.

Stephen Taylor receives a Swedish Remedial Massage from Lee Collinson of Sweet Dreams with Nicole Hay of Roses Hair Salon where both work.

Grant Hansen from the Central PHO and Gavin Hurnard from Stanford Living offer health checks and courses on healthy lifestyles, right.