Nearly 300 seniors interested in their own health and well-being and that of their loved ones filled the Citrus Heights Community Center on May 18 for the 10th “SOAR to Healthy Heights” spring senior health fair.

Honorary Chair, Mayor Jeff Slowey welcomed guests, setting the tone for a fun and informative day. Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, event coordinator and president of SOAR, Neighborhood Area 10, recognized the day’s sponsors and partners and announced the day’s schedule.

Dozens of walkers gathered at 9:30 a.m. to do the “Health Walk and Roll’, a brisk 1.35-mile round-trip loop from the community center to the Stock Ranch Park Preserve and back.

Over 50 exhibitors providing resources from private businesses, non-profits, and city, state and county entities were available.

Seven workshops from Fall Prevention, Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of Crime to being smart with your money in your senior years were available to attendees. Chair Yoga leader Andrea McGowan’s statement, “the body is as old as the spine” drew many groans from attendees but after 60 minutes of stretching, breathing and relaxation, they ‘got it’ and were thankful for the experience.

New to the health fair this year and a favorite of attendees was the genealogy workshop by the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogy Society. Attendee Carol Funk said this workshop had inspired her to take up her own research again after abandoning it for a time.

Sponsors of the health fair include Arcade Creek Neighborhood 4, SOAR, Neighborhood Area10, Republic Services, SMUD and the City of Citrus Heights. Thanks, and appreciation goes to partners, Walgreens (Dewey and Greenback), Sacramento County, Sunrise Recreation and Park District and workshop presenters. Mark your calendar now for May 12, 2018 for the next health fair.