Dutchess health fair brings 75 exhibitors for free family activities: What to know

Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal

In an effort to enhance health and wellness in Dutchess County, more than 75 exhibitors will gather for a day of family-friendly activities, interactive educational presentations, food trucks, giveaways and prizes on Saturday, April 13.

Health providers, local businesses and county government departments are presenting informative booths, engaging workshops, health screenings, along with fitness demonstrations.

This is all a part of the third annual Dutchess County Y.O.U.R. (Young, Old, Urban, Rural) Health Fair.

Hosted by the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, the free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dutchess Community College's Falcon Hall.

Resources and services will also be available on topics such as mental health and recovery, environmental health, maternal, child and elderly care, sexual health, physical activity, nutrition and dental health.

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What to expect at Dutchess County's Health Fair 2024

“Our annual Health Fair is one of the many ways we advance our mission to educate and engage the public, aiming to protect and promote the health of all Dutchess County residents, families, and communities," DBCH Commissioner Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado said in a statement.

The event will be held indoors and outdoors, but inside Falcon Hall, attendees will be able to participate in demonstrations and workshops including:

  • Hands-on CPR training

  • Yoga demonstration and meditation session from Kate Baumann of Rooted Yoga

  • Performances by Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team

  • Line dance instruction

  • Tai Chi through the Dutchess County Office for the Aging

  • “Healthy Living for your brain and body” by the Alzheimer’s Association

There will also be games including "Health Jeopardy," "Fishing for Facts" and an opportunity to spin the DBCH's wheel for prizes. Raffle drawings will also be done through a Health Fair Passport, where attendees collect stickers from marked exhibitor tables to fill in their passport, then submit them for the chance to win prizes.

Outdoors, the event will include food trucks, child safety seat checks and bike helmet fittings with a free bike helmet giveaway from Nuvance Health. Tick removal kits, food thermometers and Narcan kits will be available to take home.

“Good health and wellness is key to enhancing our quality of life," Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said in a statement. "The Dutchess County Y.O.U.R. Health Fair is a great way to learn about the wide range of health resources that are available throughout our community, while taking part in fun and educational activities designed for all ages and abilities.”

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Sensory-friendly options, transportation

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY team will be offering sensory-friendly games for children with sensory-sensitive needs.

There will also be a tranquil area for those looking for a break from the noise and crowds, where attendees can learn about resources and services available to residents of all abilities.

Free shuttles provided by Dutchess County Public Transit will be available from the Transit Hub on Market Street in Poughkeepsie to Falcon Hall, located at 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. Shuttles will be running on a continuous loop from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

To learn more about Dutchess County's Health Fair, including a full itinerary, visit dutchessny.gov/healthfair, and for more information on health resources in Dutchess County, check out dutchessny.gov/health.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Yoga, CPR, bike helmet fittings at Dutchess County YOUR Health Fair

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