Woodhaven residents were recently offered a chance to meet with a nice variety of health care professionals at a Health Fair held at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Outside, there was a mobile medical unit providing no-cost mammograms, sponsored by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation and Senator Joe Addabbo. And inside there were a variety of health care professionals, including some local Woodhaven representatives, and this portion of the event was sponsored by Elizabeth Crowley, one of Woodhaven's representatives in the New York City Council.
There were also representatives from health care insurance companies, such as Neighborhood Health Providers (top left) who provide low cost health insurance for those who qualify. If you are without health coverage, or know someone who is without health coverage, get in touch with these folks and see if they can help. Their number is 1-800-826-6240 or visit their website here. The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association was represented at the fair (top right), handing out information on how to spot hidden sugars and salts in the food you eat.
Besides Senator Joe, our new Assemblyman Mike Miller was also in attendance. "It's very important that we have health fairs in our communities that brings different companies and groups together, to help put the word out that there are services out there that help our constituents," Mr. Miller said. He felt we should try and have events like this on a regular basis. Here are some highlights from the 2009 Health Fair:
Woodhaven was also represented by some of our local health care professionals: Dr. Karmel of Karmel Dental (bottom left) and Dr. DeSano of DeSano Chiropractic and Vitality Center (bottom right).
Here is Dr. Karmel, 87-03 Jamaica Avenue (849-5900) talking to us about digital x-rays and how they are safer, more clear and fast. He also notes that patients find the new method of x-ray to be more comfortable (think about it -- they don't have to put film into your mouth anymore). Responding to our question about other recent advances, Dr. Karmel says: "Dentistry has come a long way. We have new anaesthetics that are more comfortable, and people should give it a try."
And here is Dr. Anthony DeSano and his staff (below, left). At their holistic health care center, among the many services they offer are massage therapy and acupuncture. Visit their website to see the long list of services available to you right here in their Woodhaven Office at 84-16 Jamaica Avenue (296-6900).
Here is our meeting with Dr. DeSano -- and in the 2nd half of this feature, Mrs. Project Woodhaven takes advantage of the free massages that were being offered.
Pretty neat, eh? And finally, we visited with our very own Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps. I got my blood pressure taken -- twice! -- and we got a nice demonstration of CPR from Volunteer John Bennett.
Here I am, getting my BP tested -- and the CPR Demonstration:
It was a real worthwhile event. Many thanks to all the health care professionals who participated, and all who attended. 
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