Each year, the Josephine Knopf Senior Center hosts a free Health and Resource Fair for community residents, ages 55 and older. Highlights of the event which is cosponsored by InterValley Health Plan include the Braille Institute vehicle, Fontana Police Department command post vehicle as well as the San Bernardino County Fire Department.  The Arthritis Foundation was also available to offer a Land Exercise class for seniors with arthritis. Additional resources included an abundance of information and services for medical screenings, medical services/providers, medical plan information, referrals for seniors, the City of Fontana community education and clubs, as well as service providers for seniors.

Medical screenings are an opportunity for individuals to test for common, sometimes life threatening, physical ailments. In just a few minutes one may have their body tested for high blood pressure, arthritis, and more.  Even more important, the handouts that are available to visitors may inform them of the best ways to lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes, or receive products that help reduce the effects of arthritis.

Some medical screenings available at the fair include educational handouts, blood pressure and glucose screenings, shoes for diabetics, arthritis products, and grip strength testing for seniors.

Representatives include IEHP, EMB Medical Supply, Metropolitan Family Medical Clinic, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Pinnacle Medical Group, San Bernardino Medical Group, and Chaparral Medical Group.

Representatives offering medical plan handouts were available for seniors or their loved ones.  Those interested found area providers who are able to address common or unique situations.  Information available at the fair included medical planning for seniors, counseling, health problems, and materials.

Attending service providers included Secure Horizons, Medi-cal Counseling Services, Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage, SCAN Health Plan, and HICAP.

Referral services offer seniors and families an opportunity to talk to a representative who works with other service organizations in the area and may help to point out the right service for any situation. Referral agencies also offer information about protection from scams or home financing.

The 2009 Resource and Health Fair representatives made available state approved literature on medical, identity theft, senior facts, seniors living with grandchildren, and mortgages.

Representatives were available from Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, San Bernardino County WIC, United Way 2-1-1, Wells Fargo, and Integrity Home Finance.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Healthy Fontana program, learning how to scrapbook, looking to join a book club or volunteer at the library, a trip to the Health and Resource Fair was just the right thing.

The education and program booths helped anyone of any age to discover low-impact physical fitness training, learn about senior center classes in crafts, computer, or even Latin dance. Those with an interest in the Red Hat Society could also register at the Health and Resource Fair.

A stretch and walk at 10:30 am was offered by Healthy Fontana.  In addition, those who stayed for lunch tested the Healthy Fontana Let’s Get Cookin’ cook book recipes made specifically by the chef at Josephine Knopf Senior Center’s.  The newest staff member has a background as a five star restaurant chef and his culinary skills are evident in the dishes created and often enjoyed by Senior Center regulars.

The providers of services for seniors offered information about volunteering, assisted living, legal services, non-medical home care for seniors, auto insurance, Medi-cal assistance, public transportation, and personal care services or disaster preparation supplies.

Providers were available to answer questions or distribute information include RSVP, Department of Aging and Adult Services, Citrus Villa Assisted Living, Inland Counties Legal Services, Home Instead Senior Care, California Department of Insurance, San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department, OmniTrans, and Treasured Footsteps Personal Care Services.

The Josephine Knopf Senior Center, located at 8384 Cypress Avenue, is open weekdays 8 am to 3 pm. Join us for lunch and pick up some valuable resources.