Hundreds turned out Saturday for the Health Fair hosted in partnership by Soroptimists of Havasu and Havasu Community Health Fair. It was a mecca of representation for Lake Havasu City’s health and wellness.

Ana Valdez, a nursing student at MCC, does a blood screening on Tara Gomez at the Community Health Fair. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This is to service the community so our community can see the various resources available to them,” said Linda Seaver, Treasurer and HCH board member.

“Havasu Community Health Foundation really is starting to step up. Our goal is to be the healthiest community in the U.S.,” she said.

About 70 vendors were on hand to pass along information about ailments, treatments, wellness and how to live a healthy life. While many vendors were there to educate eventgoers, there was a theme of giving back that shined through promotion.

Dore Engstom poses for a photo with her dog, Dixie. Rick Powell/RiverScene

London Bridge Pet Partners had therapy dogs suited up to spread love and good will at the event.

“We’re here to spread the word about our organization and to let people know we are out in the community,” said Doré Engstrom. “We go to the hospital, nursing homes, and have reading programs in the schools and work with special needs students at the high school.”

The group has about 23 teams. Saturday, Engstom’s 4-year-old Golden Retriever Dixie were accompanied by fellow handler Susan Martin’s 2-year-old Poodle-mix.

The duo also let people with pets know of opportunities and training requirements with the therapy pet group.

Heather Minery of Jasmine Place speaks with event goers at the Community Health Fair Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Heather Minery, Community Relations Manager of Jasmine Place, said the event struck a little closer to home.

“My mom just had a double mastectomy,” she said. “I had signed up for the health fair without knowing. Today definitely has been a hard day.”

The Health Fair coincided with the 18^th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk hosted by the local Cancer Association, which is part of HCH.

“We’re here to support the community,” Miner said.

Breast cancer awareness is a good cause and that’s something people in the community share, she said.

John Twomey, owner of PRO Therapy, agreed.

Ethan Kesitilwe, of the Havasu Lions Soccer League, hands a Cancer Awareness Walk participant a carnation Saturday morning at the Aquatic Center. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“The big part is to be able to support the community,” Twomey said. “It’s nice to see the community come out. Havasu is really good about giving back to the community when it comes to volunteers or businesses. It’s pretty motivating.”

Twomey’s vendor booth also was about educating those in attendance about back pain, scheduling free screenings, and how physical therapy works in general, he said.

Eight Lotus Center for Wellness owner Liezl Landicho said her goal at the Health Fair was educating others about alternative solutions and methods of healing.

“I want to help other people to get healthy and to guide them as to what is another option,” Landicho said.

She and her staff specialize in massage, cupping, acupressure, foot reflexology, yoga and meditation, and staying fit.

“We really have to help ourselves,” Landicho said.

Zumba students perform on stage at the Community Heath Fair. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Zumba Crew pose for a photo Saturday morning at the Community Health Fair. Rick Powell/RiverScene

Vendors participate in the Community Health Fair Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Community Health Fair. Rick Powell/RiverScene

Do Terra representatives pose for a photo Saturday morning at the Community Health Fair. Rick Powell/RiverScene

Samuel Carpenter performs massages at the Community Health Fair Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

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