Port Public Library Holds Health and Fitness Fair

When the old and the young recently came looking for healthy living tips and fitness advice, they didn't hit the gym, they hit the Port Washington Public Library instead.

The library's "Life Long Health and Fitness Fair," sponsored by the Health Advisory Council, brought medical, nutrition, and fitness professionals together to provide massage, yoga, Tai Chi stretching classes, memory screening, dental and foot screening, blood pressure checks and senior services to the community.

It also brought music, as Helen Halpin McCarney, Ms. Senior America 2005, wooed the crowd with her unique blend of golden oldies and rap, accopanied by an accordionist.

"I have been an entertainer all my life performing comedy skits, singing and acting," McCarney said. "I love cheering up the seniors and rapping about real-life issues."

She sure cheered up 93-year-old Louise Corvino, a Manhasset resident who said that she enjoys all aspects of the Health Fair, but that the musical act was the best.

"I might not have a very long time left on this earth, but the music here is the best and makes me reminisce about the old days," Corvino said. "Checking my blood pressure, posture and getting a foot screening can wait until later."

Tai Chi Instructor Caren Sanders taught a class that got everyone breathing and stretching in sync with one another.

"I have five children and Tai Chi always calms me down," Sanders said. "It helps with balance, breathing, muscle control — it is very flowing and comfortable. You can do this standing up or sitting down. The energy comes in and the energy goes out."

In another corner of the fair, Port Washington residents Eleanor Gilder and Marie Coorado were looking at the schedule and deciding what they should do. Like Corvino, they put McCarney singing in front of talking to senior services and getting their blood pressure checked.

"I just tried the chickpeas at the 'Healthy Eating Booth' and I spoke to a dietitian named Christina Fuchs," Gilder said. "This fair is great for seniors and also the younger folks."

Nancy Mizrahi from the Department of Services for the Aging was there to inform seniors that as of April 1 everyone over 60 years old is entitled to half-price taxi service for medical needs in the Town of North Hempstead.

Home safety tips, strength training classes, dental/oral screening and posture checks were also offered at the fair. In addition, several senior services were on display, such as Project Independence, which provides home assistance to sick and home-bound individuals over 60 by calling 311.

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