Mercer holds annual health fair

By KIM E. STROM

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Mercer - It was a fun and educational day for those who attended the annual Mercer Health Fair Wednesday. Everything from chemical free cosmetics to health screenings to fire prevention and more was represented.

The event was sponsored by the Mercer Food Pantry, the Mercer Lions and Lionesses and the Iron County Health Department.

"It went well, we had a few new vendors, the spud-mobile and the (MedEvac) helicoptor," said organizer Louise Minisan. "We do the most for wellness," she said, referring to the Mercer Food Pantry. "We don't just fill people's bellies."

The Mercer Lion's Club was on hand to do vision screenings and Tom Tepper of Lucid Hearing conducted hearing tests. Flu shots were available as well.

Matt Schmidt EMR (emergency medical responder) of the Winchester Fire Department talked about the importance of installing carbon monoxide alarms in homes. "It is Wisconsin law," he said. The law took effect in 2011. According to the Nation Fire Protection Agency, over 400 people die each year in the country from CO poisoning.

Northwoods Farm Share is a program that provides local, fresh produce year around to members. Anyone can become a member.

At the BeautyCounter, Sue Ertl said that over 1,500 chemicals are banned in Europe while only 35 are banned in the United States. It is an industry that is not regulated here, she said. "It's been 81 years since the last law was passed regarding harmful ingredients in beauty products," said Ertl.

On the back of her business card is the "never list." Formaldehyde, coal tar and parabens are included. One out of five beauty products contain formaldehyde, she said. It is a carcinogen and does cause sensitivity. An app is available for the phone to scan products to discover the harmfulness score for personal care products and food, she said. It's called the EWG's Healthy Living App.

Neil Klemme, from the University of Wisconsin Extensions, shared a program called 4-H Tech Changemakers, a Microsoft and 4-H team effort to teach 4-H kids to lead digital skills training. The kids in the program help the elderly to go online safely, said Klemme.

At Northern Fire Yoga, classes are held every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for all skill levels and is good for back and other pain issues.

Jaimee Gregor of the Marshfield Clinic displayed the amounts of sugar in different drinks. Orange soda has the most at 33 teaspoons. Even a healthy looking smoothie has 20 teaspoons of sugar, she said.

Three new programs are available to seniors with the Aging and Disability Resource Center. "The Music and Memory program develops a personalized playlist for individual with dementia which is then downloaded on an iPod. The benefits are increased cooperation and attention, reduction in agitation and sun-downing and enhancement in engagement and socialization," according to Mindy Williams. There is also a respite program for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients that occurs once a week for six weeks. And finally a walking program to help ease arthritis pain. For more information on these programs, contact Williams at 715-561-3636 ext. 2127.

A company called Norwex displayed chemical-free cleaning supplies which only require water to use.

The Wisconsin Spudmobile of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Inc. came for a visit. The company works with 110 growers and does research, education and promotion on the seven different families of potatoes. "Potatoes have more health benefits than pasta," said spudmobile assistant Doug Foemmel. "A lot of people don't realize it, but Wisconsin is the third largest potato producer in the nation."

Many school children came through the health fair as well and were especially impressed with the MedEvac helicopter and the Spudmobile. "Hopefully they've learned something from this," said Minisan.