Michele Wright-Sykes, Palmyra’s facilities scheduling coordinator, happily works on the final details of the upcoming Women’s Health and Wellness Fair this Friday, Aug. 22, in the Community Center that is open to both men and women.
Today’s fast-paced, stressful world full of busy days working and raising children can make it difficult finding time for self-care and getting possibly lifesaving health screenings.
“We are coming out of our successful Summer Meal Program and have found that a lot of parents, grandparents and caregivers need more resources,” Michele Wright-Sykes said. “People’s stress level in daily life can be overwhelming.”
In an effort to help residents de-stress and learn about health care services available to them, Palmyra Borough is hosting its second annual Women’s Health and Wellness Fair this Friday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Community Center at 30 W. Broad St.
The pet project of Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait, this year’s event features staff members from the Mediation Center in Riverton giving tips on how to help “mom and dad to decompress,” said Wright-Sykes, the borough’s Facilities Scheduling Coordinator, while busily working out the final details in her office this week.
“The fair is open to men and women alike,” she said noting they have 25 good vendors including healthcare professionals discussing mammography and where to get cancer screenings and representatives from the travel industry explaining how to plan a small trip at a reasonable price to get away for a few days.
“We will be encouraging people to get their health screenings,” Wright-Sykes said, adding that men often need a little more urging to do so. “Our vendors will offer a wide variety of products, services and health and wellness information to support everyone’s needs.”
The borough will provide healthy snacks, vendors will have some giveaways and there will be plenty of information available about living healthier lives.
“We are looking for a good turnout,” Wright-Sykes said. “The first health fair last year was a learning experience.”
Another feature this year will be financial advisors to help residents with estate planning, she said, pointing out that when someone loses a spouse they are often grieving so much to even thinking about making a new will.
The Community Center will be full of activity this week, as the borough is hosting a free Property Tax Relief Assistance seminar on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. to help residents – renters and homeowners – complete their applications for the state’s Anchor, Senior Freeze and Stay NJ programs, which have to be submitted by Oct. 31. The event is being sponsored by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury and State Assemblyman Balvir Singh.
In September, a Purple & Teal Ribbon Walk, sponsored by the boroughs of Riverton and Palmyra, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at noon in Riverton Memorial Park and proceeding to the Chief Flournoy Park in downtown Palmyra.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the walk honors the survivors, those who lost their battle, and those who are still struggling.
For more information about any of these events, call (856) 929-1144.
