Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/718065
AUGUST 24-30, 2016 UCW 23 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Umoja Festival Promotes Health and Unity in the Community a STAFF REPORT This year marks the 25th year of the Umoja/Unity Festival in Fayetteville. Umoja is a Kiswahili word meaning "unity" and is the first principle of Kwanzaa. The goal of this festival is to demonstrate this principle of unity within the community while also celebrating cultural diversity. This year, the underlying theme of the festival is the importance of health care. So amongst many demonstrations about African and African American traditions there will also be an outreach program provided by Cape Fear Valley Take Charge of Your Health. Mark your calendar for Aug. 27. The event takes place at Seabrook Park. There will be free screenings, exhibits and testing. Screenings will include blood typing, grip strength, balance, diabetes, lung function, HIV testing, blood pressure screening and depression screenings just to name a few. By appointment, there will be cholesterol and blood sugar tests, EKG's and conversations with experts on osteopathic medicine. Call 910-615-LINK to make an appointment. There will also be a variety of exhibits providing information on local resources and common warning signs of different medical conditions and illnesses. All of this is open to the public and available to the underinsured as well. Illness can take a heavy toll on a community both emotionally and financially. Sickness never just affects a single person, it has a ripple effect. This health fair seeks to address one of the important but most often ignored aspects of a healthy life: preventative care. Medical assistance can be expensive, especially without insurance. Due to the expense, issues are often ignored for too long leading to dire consequences. One of the most important tools in avoiding these mistakes, and preventing illness all together, is education. Often, there are local resources that can step into help make lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms. It is never too late to start living a healthier life, and a healthier individual makes for a healthier community as a whole. The Umoja Festival is not just a health fair; it is a celebration of heritage and traditions. There will be vendors, storytellers, music, dance and a whole lot of fun to round out the rest of the day. There will still be learning and sharing, but it will be focused on talent, art, culture and tradition. The E.E. Smith and FSU Bands will perform providing fantastic local entertainment and highlighting the talent of the young musicians in the community. There will also be a special appearance from the Ol' Skool Musicians, an urban R&B group. Food will include a fish fry hosted by the FSU Retirees. The Umoja Festival will take place on Aug. 27 at Seabrook Park from noon until 7 p.m. Seabrook Park is located at 1520 Slater Ave. The free health fair will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The entire event is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. This event is presented in partnership with Take Charge of Your Health, Umoja Group Inc, Taste of West Africa and 107.7 Jamz. Free Screenings! Blood Typing courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center Grip Strength courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Occupational Therapy Balance Screening courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Physical Therapy Diabetes Screening courtesy of Community Health Interventions Lung Function courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Respiratory Therapy HIV Testing courtesy of Community Health Interventions Depression Screening courtesy of Community Mental Health Center at Cape Fear Valley A-Fib Screening courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health Blood Pressure Screening courtesy of Cumberland HealthNet BMI courtesy of Cumberland HealthNet Free Flu Shots courtesy of Walgreens Free Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) courtesy of Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine Learn Hands Only CPR taught by RNs from Cape Fear Valley Heart & Vascular Center Blood Drive courtesy of Cape Fear Valley's Bloodmobile Healing Touch courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health Massage Therapy courtesy of Miller-Motte College By Appointment: Cholesterol & Blood Sugar courtesy of Cape Fear Valley HealthPlex EKG courtesy of Cumberland County EMS Talk to residents from Southern Regional AHEC and Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Call (910) 615-LINK for an appointment. Exhibits! Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center Cape Fear Valley Breast Care Center Cape Fear Valley Lung Nodule Clinic Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center Community Mental Health Center at Cape Fear Valley Cape Fear Valley Medical Group Cape Fear Valley Stroke and Afib Programs CCMAP Medication Assistance Program Mended Hearts Operation Cease Fire Carolina Collaborative Community Care Carolina Treatment Center (free drug overdose kits) Cumberland County Health Department Stedman-Wade Health Center Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine & Clinic Health Fair LARGEST SELECTION OF PREMIUM CIGARS IN THE REGION FULL SERVICE BAR / SMOKING LOUNGE 320 N. McPherson Church Road ansteads.com 910•864•5705 Performing Live September 3 , 2016