By Elli Kohnert
Area residents had the opportunity to attend a Wellness Fair on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Barriere Ridge which was sponsored by
the District of Barriere.
The event provided information to the public about how to stay well, and how to access information on where to find answers and
assistance about healthy living. There were seven information stations set up where people could talk to the presenters as well as take home printed material to provide information about what services are available in Barriere.
Several speakers spoke about health problems people may be faced with in their lives.
A demonstration showing a “state of the art” stretcher caught the interest of most of those who attended the Fair. Area paramedics, Heather Eustache and Deb Stamer, gave an interesting and informative demonstration about how to operate it.
Mia Dzinik, a fourth-year nursing student who is doing her practicum at the Barriere Health Centre, organized the Fair. She mentioned that it was a sometimes stressful job.
Mayor Virginia Smith commented, “We were extremely impressed with Mia’s ability to handle that job, she did it with such enthusiasm and energy, we were lucky to have her with us.”
The Health Fair was a valuable event in that it brought practical advice and information to those who attended. Organizers stated that
the number of visitors was considerably lower than that of the first Fair in 2016, but the ones who came seemed to appreciate what they
had learned can now implement.