By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
In a true spirit of community care, the Sun City Center United Methodist Church is opening its doors for its third annual Health & Wellness Day, partnering with local health providers to bring free services and screenings right to the heart of our neighborhood. It’s a convenient way for everyone to check in on their health in a familiar, welcoming place.
The event will take place on the church campus, 1971 Haverford Ave., Sun City Center, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26. Residents of Sun City Center and surrounding South Shore communities are welcome. Admission is free.
Here’s who’s participating:
• Bay Care Community Health is returning to offer blood pressure, glucose, A1C and Body Mass Index screenings. Flu shots will also be available.
• Gannon University is sending certified therapists on site to provide initial physical, occupational and speech language screenings, supported by students in these programs.
• Moffitt Cancer Center’s mobile unit is providing access to lung, mole, head and neck screenings, along with educational materials.
• The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation mobile unit is offering auditory screenings, educational resources and hearing-health information.
• And the Alzheimer's Association is joining the lineup this year, bringing its outreach van and associates to offer information on brain health, early detection, risk reduction and caregiving resources.
Health screenings are an essential way to detect chronic issues early on — sometimes before symptoms even appear — and to help people make informed decisions. They also keep us connected to local resources and help us learn what steps can support healthier aging.
These free services are available to the public and anyone can participate. You may be asked for your insurance card information, so the providers can be compensated for their services, but there is no out-of-pocket cost involved.
Sun City Center United Methodist Church hosts this event to serve the community.
“We are not only concerned about your spirituality, but also about your physical wellness,” said Janine Hulland, the church’s director of community engagement.
“Both are intertwined.
“Please take advantage of our Health and Wellness Day,” she continued. “Our staff will be present to guide you to the provider services. Spread the word. We look forward to seeing you for this exciting opportunity.”
Additional outreach
Health and Wellness Day is just one of many communitywide events and services the Sun City Center United Methodist Church brings to Sun City Center and surrounding communities. Others include its annual Back-to-School Fair, Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Walk to End Alzheimer’s team/host site and Blue Christmas Service; weekly Metropolitan Ministries lunches; Mary Petro Fund food and medicine program, food pantry and Breakaway Respite; its tutoring programs for children, volunteer response teams and more.
For additional information, call the Sun City Center United Methodist Church office at 813-634-2539 or email janine@sccumc.com/.