Health Fair Exceeds Expectations

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Levi Percia

An overflow crowd of 500 people, of diverse backgrounds and interests, packed the Lubavitch Yeshiva ballroom on Sunday for the first Crown Heights Health and Wellness Fair.

Mutual to all of their minds was the Torah’s command of “You shall watch yourselves very well” (venishmartem meod lenafshoteichem).

It was an event that, for the first time, showed the expanding awareness of local Jewish community members in all things health, a gradual break from the past when smoking and fatty foods were the standard.

The fair was organized by Chaim Backman, a physical therapist in Crown Heights and a triathlon coach. Local businesses joined as co-sponsors. COLlive.com was the media sponsor.

“By all accounts, this was a success,” Backman said. “The vendors were very happy with the large turnout and were already asking when will be the next expo.”

There were lines waiting for delicious health shakes prepared by Natural Treats, while employees of Mr. Green’s were handing out slices of fresh, cut up fruit. But participants were not only there to take, but also to give. The Ahavas Chessed blood drive collected over 20 pints of blood.

In addition to vendors displaying their services, there were informative and even thought provoking presentations, such as 2 donor recipients. The one who lives in Crown Heights received a double lung transplant and went from death’s door to returning to a fully functional life with his family.

Representatives of Gymies/The Space spoke about the importance of exercise and different types of programs, Friendship Circle about helping people with disabilities, a nutritionist of Sunshine Pharmacy reviewed vitamins for good health and Margaret Tietz Rehab Center presented their fully Glatt kosher and Shomer Shabbos state of the art rehab facility.

Backman said many have expressed their appreciation for such a fair being organized. “I can’t believe we have so many resources here in Crown Heights,” one attendee told him. “I never knew about most of these people.”

One parent was happy to learn about the expanding variety of kosher gluten free food for his child, while others had their children signed up for exercise classes. “I’m getting my husband a yoga class as a surprise,” one woman said.

Here are the winners of the raffles held at the end of the expo:

Margaret Tietz Rehab center gift basket: R. Yaffee
Bussani Mobility gift card: Miriam Shurpin
1 hour craniosacral therapy by RL Shapiro: Sarah Yarmush
Jackrabbit gift cards (2 x $25): Rivkie Groyer, Rivkie Shusterman
Solomon and Samson: D. Piekarski
1 hour session by All Align: Yakov Shapiro
Shira Nesenoff Dance Studio: E. Shain
Hour consultation by attorney J Weissman: C Telsner
Sprout a Healthy Child: Miriam Osdaba
Session with personal trainer Nechama Glick: Tanenbaum
Golden Review Rx: A Piekarski
All My Children Daycare: Leah Ezagui (loving family doll house) and Chani Kozliner (Mr. Potato Head)

Organizers seek your feedback and can be reached at [email protected]