Faiths Join Hands to Host Free Community Health Fair in Illinois
Their aim is to serve the community while also bridging gaps between Muslims and people of other faiths.
The fair will run from 10AM to 2PM on Sat., Sept. 16, at the mosque, 2844 W. Ogden Ave.
Individuals 16 and older can be screened for blood pressure, blood sugar levels and oral cancer; and have a brief consultation with a physician about any concerning results, all at no charge. Physical therapists, nutritionists, dentists, nurses, social workers and dieticians will share information, answer questions or provide short counseling sessions at booths throughout the fair.
In addition, more in-depth presentations on topics such as back care, balance and fall prevention, a healthy diet, living with high blood pressure and heart disease prevention will be offered in classrooms during the event.
Members of Community United Methodist Church in downtown Naperville are co-sponsoring the fair to show people of all faiths that the community benefits when people come together to serve.
"This sort of partnership should have started 20 years ago,” said Pat Shanower, a member of Community UMC who brought Drs. Atif Fakhruddin and Usman Khan together with church members to plan the event and recruit volunteers.
Recognizing that people who have never been inside a mosque might be reluctant to go there, members of both congregations will serve as greeters, guides and helpers to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
The health fair also will serve to publicize the Islamic Center of Naperville Free Clinic, which is open from 9AM to noon the first Sunday of each month and from 7 to 9PM on the third Wednesday of each month at the mosque. The ICNFC provides no-cost general health and wellness care, annual physicals, nutrition counseling and specialty referrals; plus discounted lab work and X-Rays, to anyone who is without insurance, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
Source: positivelynaperville.com
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