Third annual Health and Wellness Fair provides insight to incorporating healthy habits into everyday behavior
Fall River, MA – September 27, 2012 – Thanks to the funds made available from a grant from the United Way of Greater Fall River, FHR (Fellowship Health Resources) Fall River hosted its third annual Health and Wellness Fair to initiate this year’s Healthy Lifestyles Program.
Under FHR’s Department of Health and Wellness, the program embraces the idea that successful behavioral healthcare services reach beyond the standard treatment for a mental illness or substance abuse disorder to consider all aspects of a person’s well-being during their journey to recovery.
The Health and Wellness Fair at the East Gate Christian Academy is just the first of many events to take place as a part of this program. “The purpose of hosting the fair is to motivate and educate everyone involved. We made it a carnival theme this year with bean bag tosses, carnival prizes, and healthier versions of food that you may normally see at a carnival,” says Rehab and Recovery Group Coordinator Therese Bernier.
Bernier explains how the feedback from persons served helps to establish a curriculum for different programs throughout the year. Smoking cessation and stress management groups, wellness walks, and more are just some of the ideas. Funds from the Community Impact Grant given by the United Way of Greater Fall River supplement the expense of equipment, supplies, and educational materials to make the programs as effective as possible.
Between fitness games, healthy snacks, and informational displays, Regional Director Denise Silvia says that she could not be more pleased with the day. “It’s great to see so much interaction with the persons served and I couldn’t thank Terri enough for putting this event together,” she says. “We appreciate the support from the community and couldn’t offer such an important program without it.”
For more information about the Healthy Lifestyles Program, please contact Therese Bernier at 508-674-8489.