The Celebrating Life health fair drew a small crowd Saturday afternoon to the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute, with people taking advantage of free services such as diabetes and blood-pressure screenings, massages and tai chi classes.
Members of the Health Ministries Committee of the Episcopal Diocese, who collaborated with CKCI to organize the event, wore T-shirts that said "Say NO to Drugs" on the front and "Say YES to God" on the back.
"We want to promote unity among our churches and health and wellness in the community," said Riise Richards, vice chairperson of the committee.
Approximately 45 community members were screened for diabetes and high blood pressure. While waiting in line, they were treated to the musical notes of the violin. Alana Davis and Isis Collier, both students at the V.I. Montessori School and International Academy, performed in the lobby. Collier had learned of the event through her mother, and the two girls volunteered to play.
"We would like to come here and play for the patients," Davis said.
A free tai chi class held on the grassy knoll outside CKCI was taught by Allan Buckingham, who holds classes in the cancer institute’s healing garden twice a week. Nefertiti Andoze of Nefertiti’s Healing Hands stayed busy all afternoon giving massages under one of the tents.
Eileen Short, head of Schneider Regional Medical Center’s physical therapy department and a member of the hospital’s wellness program, presented information about exercise and cancer prevention.
"Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertention and cardiovascular disease are contributing factors to being at risk for certain types of cancer," she said. "Moderate, consistent and daily exercise go hand in hand with maintaining ideal weight. Exercise makes you feel good, and when you feel good you’re less likely to get sick. It also releases endorphins and lowers stress levels."
Carolyn Johnson of the University of the Virgin Islands Extension Services provided nutrition information and healthy recipes. Attendees were also able to purchase healthy meals provided by We Grow Food, Love Livin’ and the Banana Leaf Bistro.
Chef Linda Chesterfield, proprietor of the newly opened Banana Leaf Bistro, creates vegan and raw-food meals using organic, pesticide-free ingredients. Located poolside at the Bellavista Hotel in Long Bay, she offers two entrees daily.
"When I came home to St. Thomas, I got sick to my stomach looking at what everyone was eating, knowing how high the rate of diabetes is here," said Chesterfield, who opened the bistro Aug. 18. She hopes to help change the pattern of menus high in starches and sugars by offering mouth-watering alternatives.
Edward "Teddy" Aribisala, vice president of oncology services and CKCI’s administrator, greeted people as they arrived, making sure that everyone took part in the activities and information offered.
"We have the only pediatric oncologist in the Caribbean and we want to get the message out to the community that it is not necessary for patients with cancer to go off-island for treatment," he said.
The institute works in conjunction with the American Cancer Society to schedule free cancer screenings throughout the year.
Both CKCI and the Episcopal Diocese hope to make the health fair an annual event.
