While health has been at the forefront of people’s minds the past year, it’s lately primarily been over COVID-19 concerns. Understandably, the public has had a one-track mind lately when it comes to self-care. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 40 percent of adults surveyed had put off necessary health care and important check-ups due to issues associated with COVID-19.
“There was a time, early in the pandemic, when we didn't know much about this virus. So hospitals and clinics closing made sense,” Dr. Ned Sharpless, director of the National Cancer Institute, said recently in an interview with National Public Radio.
“That time is over,” he said. “We can have patients come in and get these tests and see their doctors in person in a way that is both safe for the caregiver and safe for the patient, and the risk of transmission is low.”
It’s amid that backdrop that Cumberland County is holding a Wellness Fair for its employees to be held Oct. 4-8 at the Crown Expo Center. The county also is seeking vendors for the event.
“The goal of the health fair is to encourage county employees to lead a healthier lifestyle and improve their overall health status,” said Tammy Gillis, director of employee wellness for the county.
The county has contracted with Novant Health to run the wellness clinic, according to a news release. Novant will screen employees for risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
With 1,000 employees expected to attend over five days, the county is seeking vendors to participate and provide employees with information on health and wellness related topics such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, weight management, hearing, vision, tobacco cessation, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, behavioral health, safety and more, the news release said.
Local health and wellness agencies are encouraged to send a representative to discuss services they provide.
The vendor registration deadline is Sept. 24 and tables will be provided and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will be held on Oct. 4 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 5, 7 and 8 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information or to register, contact Cumberland County Wellness Services Director Tammy Gillis at tgillis@co.cumberland.nc.us or (910) 678-7728.