Baldwin City Community Wellness Festival set for April 7

The 17th annual Community Wellness Festival is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-11:30, Saturday, April 7, at the Collins Center on Baker University’s Baldwin City campus.

Sponsored by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission and Baker University, the wellness festival begins with the Daniel J. DeAno Memorial 5K Run/Walk. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run begins at 8:30 a.m. All registered participants will receive a T-shirt. Participants can preregister at the Baldwin City Recreation Commission for $5 or can make a suggested donation of $10 on the day of the walk. Funds raised go toward benefitting mental health and depression awareness.

“The Community Wellness Festival has something for all ages,” said Sherri Pahcoddy, Baker’s coordinator of student health and counseling services. “It is our way to help keep our community safe and healthy.”

Approximately 60 exhibitors are expected to participate in the free health fair, which typically attracts more than 300 people from the surrounding community. Free blood pressure, posture, body fat, hearing, vision, and dental screenings will be provided. Attendees can also donate blood and receive car seat checks. For a fee, attendees can also receive mammograms, for which insurance will be accepted.

Additional screenings will be available through Lawrence Memorial Hospital, including a total lipid profile with a prostate specific antigen test and several other blood tests to assess healthy body functions. Blood draws for these screenings will take place from 8-10 a.m. By preregistering by March 30, the lab tests are available for $30 ($40 with PSA test). For those who register on the day of the festival, lab tests will be $40 ($50 with PSA test). Anyone interested in the tests should not eat or drink anything — water and medications are exceptions — after midnight before having blood drawn.

Registration forms for lab tests are available at Baldwin City Recreation Office, Kwik Shop, Baldwin City Market, Auburn Pharmacy, and Baker University Student Health Center.

There will be drawings for prizes every 15 minutes throughout the event, including four tickets and a parking pass to a Kansas City Royals game, as well as bicycles for two adults and for two children. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 250 attendees. All children will receive a free bicycle helmet while supplies last.

For more information, contact Sherri Pahcoddy at 785.594.8409 or sherri.pahcoddy@bakerU.edu.