Michael Johnson and Christine Flores
2 hours in the past
OAK PARK, Illinois — Looking for correct medical care could be time-consuming, overwhelming, disturbing and downright costly. That's why, too typically, individuals merely keep away from doing it.
For at the least a number of hours, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is making an attempt to make it simple for you. And free.
The chamber hosted its Neighborhood Well being and Wellness Truthful on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Village of Oak Park Neighborhood Recreation Heart, 229 Madison Road. There isn’t a value to attend and all guests are welcome.
Final 12 months, Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce Govt Director Darien Marion-Burton says, individuals representing 60 completely different ZIP codes attended.
This 12 months's truthful attracted 90 well being and wellness suppliers, providing every thing from monetary well being to fundamental main care. Guests might get fundamental exams like blood glucose ranges, complete cardiac exams and extra, issues which might be so important to correct well being care however are sometimes averted.
“All of the providers right here, they're all doing one thing that's complementary,” Marion-Burton stated. “You don't want a reference. You’ll be able to go in and discuss to somebody and get issues carried out. In my view, that's one of the simplest ways to spend a Sunday morning.”
On the higher rink of the Neighborhood Recreation Heart, attendees might even take part within the “Stroll With A Doc” program, the place they will stroll the rink whereas talking with a well being care skilled.
“Well being care is horrifying for some individuals,” explains Marion-Burton. “And it's the power to go for a stroll with one of many Division of Public Well being nurses or discuss to a substance abuse counselor.
“Simply ask these questions which might be just a little sophisticated and possibly troublesome to do on-line.”
Caty Stegemann is a bodily therapist at Oak Park Bodily Remedy Heart, one in every of this 12 months's truthful distributors, and says she loves attending every year.
“They’ll come and study all in regards to the completely different providers which might be offered right here on this great neighborhood,” Stegemann stated. “In order that retains me coming again. “I meet new individuals each time I’m right here.”
Attendees have been even capable of discover and study new frontiers in healthcare, comparable to psychedelic drugs.
“We use infusion providers utilizing primarily ketamine remedy to assist individuals stay higher lives who could not have had success with different kinds of conventional modalities,” explains Meghan Leahey, a nurse practitioner at Midwest Different Remedy Clinic, a Ketamine remedy in Oak Park.
Attendees have been additionally capable of uncover healthcare choices they might not have even identified have been accessible.
“It's wonderful that you simply now not want a referral to see a bodily therapist or occupational therapist,” says John Honchruk, an athletic coach at Athletico Bodily Remedy in Chicagoland. “You’ll be able to come from the road if in case you have any ache or ache.
“Is one thing? It's no large deal? “We may help check out that.”
Different in-person providers supplied on the truthful embrace massages and Reiki, an historic strategy of Japanese origin used to scale back stress and chill out.
“What we're doing is giving 10-minute Reiki periods to assist cleanse and strengthen individuals's power discipline,” says Heather McCutcheon, founding father of the Reiki Brigade in Chicago. “It helps them settle down, may help relieve ache, and helps the physique's therapeutic mechanism perform at a extra optimum degree.”
Organizers say work is already underway for subsequent 12 months's occasion, which can even be open to anybody searching for extra info.
“We’re undoubtedly bringing again this well being and wellness truthful,” Marion-Burton confirmed.
“…We actually consider that caring for the well being and well-being of our neighborhood is essential to make sure that now we have a robust and vibrant economic system.”