Maryville Parks and Recreation, St. Francis Hospital & Health Services and Maryville’s Hy-Vee hosted a health and fitness fair on January 14. Approximately 200 area citizens and 26 local vendors attended the event that celebrated its fifth anniversary. The exposition started at 8 a.m. with dozens waiting at the doors for the fair to begin.

In addition to sponsors Hy-Vee, St. Francis and Maryville Parks & Rec, other vendors included: Asera Care Hospice, Baker Chiropractic Rehab, Bristol Manor, Children and Family Center, Curves, General Dentistry, Golden Living Center, Harris Dental, Herbs ‘N’ Whey, Isagenix, Market America, Massage by Valerie Luke, McDonalds, MERIL, MU Extension, Nodaway County Crusade Against Cancer, Sjogren Syndrome Foundation, SSM Home Care and Hospice, Tiffany In-Home Service, Walmart Vision Center, Xyngular, and Your Health is Your Wealth.

The purpose of this event was to raise awareness of the health and fitness services and programs available locally, and to promote healthy lifestyles. Several vendors offered free samples, promotional items and provided door prizes that were given during the morning. The hospital’s offerings included free point-of-care blood tests, blood pressure checks, bone density screening, and lung capacity evaluations as well as several other services with information booths.

“We feel the fair was a success by providing a great opportunity for the community to engage with area medical and fitness providers for health information, education, and screenings,” said Rita Miller, St. Francis Community Relations and Development Director and one of the health and fitness fair planners.