Free health screenings, healthy food offerings and a host of fun fitness activities were just a few of the activities available last weekend at the Beaches Health Jam.
Held Aug. 6 at the Carver Center in Jacksonville Beach, the event was organized by Ponte Vedra Beach, Oceanside and Sunset Rotary clubs, and grew to include more than two dozen local community organizations.
“We wanted to do an event that would bring the St. Vincent’s Mobile Health Unit to the community,” said Oceanside Rotary Community Service Chair Christine Hoffman, noting that local Rotary clubs contributed funds to make the mobile clinic possible. “We’re also celebrating 100 years of the Rotary Foundation this year and wanted to find a healthy way to celebrate that.”
With participation and support from such groups as BEAM, Mission House, the Salvation Army and the Carver Center, the Health Jam offered attendees the chance to receive free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings. The event also included the distribution of healthy snacks, kids’ activities, and demonstrations of line dancing, tai chi, yoga and Pilates. Local service organizations also had displays where they distributed free educational materials. The event was followed by a kickball game played by teams representing the participating Rotary clubs.
“This is a great way to celebrate the centennial of the Rotary Foundation,” said Rotary District Governor Marshall Butler, who was on hand for the festivities. “Maternal health and child health are among the foundation’s key priorities, and this is a perfect way to further that cause.”
