Health Update: Health Update: Health & Wellness Fair brings community together – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
On Feb. 28, about 200 people of all ages chatted and mingled at the Marblehead Community Center during the Board of Health’s second annual Health & Wellness Fair.
Dozens of businesses and medical practitioners hosted tables where residents could learn about Marblehead’s health-related offerings.
Presenters included Pilates and jiu-jitsu instructors, chiropractors, foot care specialists, local gyms and other wellness providers.
“People don’t realize how many options are at their fingertips,” Board of Health member and event organizer Tom McMahon said.
With the new year underway and many residents hoping to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions, McMahon said he hoped the event would connect Marblehead residents with health resources that match their particular needs.
“What’s wonderful about this town is we have so many fitness and wellness resources who are very collaborative,” said Kim Crowley, owner of Lighthouse Fitness, who helped coordinate the event.
Event attendee Carol Roby said she was “delighted” that Marblehead hosted the fair.
“It’s so important at our age to have resources for our age group to stay healthy,” she added.
At the far corner of the event space, Cheryl Wall worked on patient Sarah Bates’ feet.
Wall, who has more than two decades of experience as a geriatric nurse, runs a mobile foot care practice called Foot Wise. The practice began four years ago when one of her friends called her after a foot injury. Wall went to her friend’s house and provided first aid and a pedicure. Her friends told others, and soon Wall was in high demand.
“She’s amazing. She’s like a plastic surgeon,” Marblehead resident Marie Prendergast said about Wall.
A common sentiment at the fair was the sense of community these health practices have created. Marblehead resident Marc Arbesman hosted First Colony Jiu Jitsu’s table at the fair. He has been practicing at First Colony for three years and said the gym is like a family.
“A lot of families move to this community and tend to draw inwards. This helps us expand outwards and meet so many pillars of the community… I feel more connected to Marblehead because of it,” Arbesman said.