Teddy Bear Health Fair brings convenient services

May 25, 2011

HYTHE — An upcoming Aboriginal health fair promises to make health services fun and convenient for residents of Horse Lake.

A Teddy Bear Health Fair — to be hosted on Friday, June 3 by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Horse Lake First Nation Health Centre — offers health checks, information, crafts and games for the entire family. Elder story time and a free lunch will also be provided. Each child who attends will get a free teddy bear.

Health care professionals with expertise in areas such as child development, nutrition and safety will be there to answer questions and share health, wellness and fitness tips with parents. Folks are also invited to bring their helmet and bike for a safety check.

“We want to give people living in smaller communities better access to health professionals,” says Frances Russell, Health Promotion Facilitator with AHS. “We hope that having a variety of health professionals at one location will make it accessible and convenient for the community to attend.”

The health fair hopes to benefit both parents and children under the age of 10, but all are welcome to come out.

“It’s like a one-stop shop,” adds Russell, in reference to having so many services in one place. “This will be a fun, interactive way to learn about health and safety for children and families.”

The Teddy Bear Health Fair runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 3, at the Horse Lake First Nation Recreation Centre.

Increasing access to primary health care is a part of Alberta Health and Wellness and AHS’ 5-Year Health Action Plan. Throughout the month of June, Teddy Bear Health Fairs will serve Aboriginal communities throughout the Peace Country. Fairs will also be held June 29 at the Duncan First Nation GTM Centre and June 30 at the Sturgeon Lake Arena — the first time this fair has come to these two communities.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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