Community Care Day teaches ‘Healthy Living’

April 3, 2017 Print This Post

by Joshua Clements

TIFTON – The Tifton Community Care Day at Tift County Recreation Department was a hit with local residents March 11.

More than 60 vendors had booths available for the 225 people who showed up to take part in the event.

Coordinators Craig Sowell and Beth Lewis were glad to see the turnout, which has grown from six years ago when the first Community Care Day was held.

“We really appreciate the community and vendors coming out and supporting the event,” said Sowell.

Under the theme “Healthy Living,” Tift Regional Medical Center staff offered cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure screenings to attendees.

TRMC representatives were also present to discuss other services and opportunities.

These included Affinity Express Care being open on weekends as a walk-in clinic for pediatrics and adults as well as Hospice of Tift Area looking for volunteers.

Many of the tables had information regarding child health and well-being.

Roxie Price with the UGA Extension was on hand displaying how unhealthy many soft drinks and junk foods are for kids.

Elizabeth Pridgon, 14, said she “learned how much sugar is in a Coke. It’s like your daily serving of sugar in one can.”

Another young lady learned the consequences of so much sugar.

“I learned about how bad sugar can be. It can cause diabetes,” said Zinaya Lester, 11.

Local resident Skylar Folds came to the event to see what Tifton has to offer. He was glad to see the food education for the kids as well as a demonstration on healthy cooking. “Many kids and adults don’t have good eating habits,” he said. A “Crop Drop,” courtesy of the Society of Saint Andrew, also provided local produce.

Tift County School Nutrition was there to encourage families to go online and fill out the Community Eligibility Provision. Doing so will help Tift County students to continue to receive free lunches in school.

The Tift County Commission on Children and Youth, DFCS and Tift County Child Abuse Council was also present with information about keeping children safe in the area.

Vendors of various services ranging from job placement to Medicaid assistance and non-profits such as the YMCA and Ruth’s Cottage all had a presence at the event.

Sowell was grateful to all who participated.

He was especially glad to have volunteers from Tift County High School and ABAC and also wanted to thank the interpreters who were present to help with translation.

Photos by Joshua Clements/The Tifton Gazette:

Read the story on tiftongazette.com.