Fifth Annual Healthy Harford Day Sets New Attendance Record

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Healthy Harford Day Logo

 

2,500 visitors turned out for September 26 event to learn about healthier living.

 

With a crowd of 2,500 attendees visiting the 140 exhibiting vendor booths, organizers of the fifth annual Healthy Harford Day on Saturday, September 26 proclaimed the event a resounding success.  Hosted by Healthy Harford, the family-friendly health fair offered a variety of free activities and demonstrations for all ages, including exercises classes, presentations on ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle and children’s entertainment. The event also incorporated mental health and addiction resources, including a Human Rope to Stop the Dope featuring Harford County Executive Barry Glassman.

: Registered Dietitian Barbara Wagner pauses to talk to the crowd during a cooking demonstration at Healthy Harford Day 2015.
: Registered Dietitian Barbara Wagner pauses to talk to the crowd during a cooking demonstration at Healthy Harford Day 2015.

Among the many packed free exercise classes offered were Zumba with Karin Lawson of the Y of Central Maryland, Jazzercise with Sara Gehring, Urban Line Dancing with Rhonda Gardner, Bel Air Zumba with Juan Alzamora and La Blast with Barbara Ziegler. There were also demonstrations by StreetWise Women’s Self Defense with Kathy Wise and the Ryan School of Irish Dancing. Featured presentations included sessions on non-toxic living, healthy nutrition, stress relief, art for relaxation, plant-based super food cooking demonstrations, essential oils and gardening tips for creating edible landscapes.

 

New this year, Healthy Harford Day attendees were able to receive their flu vaccines from the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake HealthLink Van, and experts on disease management shared tips for living with and preventing Lyme disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis and cancer. CPR and AED training was also offered and guests of all ages had the opportunity to climb a rock wall courtesy of the Maryland Army National Guard.

Juan Alzamora of Bel Air Armory Zumba leads a class during Healthy Harford Day 2015.
Juan Alzamora of Bel Air Armory Zumba leads a class during Healthy Harford Day 2015.

Local dignitaries who turned out for Healthy Harford Day this year included Town of Bel Air Mayor Rob Reier; Health Officer Susan Kelly; Deputy Health Officer Dr. Russ Moy; County Council President Richard Slutzky; and Councilmen Curtis Beulah and Mike Perrone, Jr.  Also on hand to greet guests were the mascots for the Ironbirds, the Y of Central Maryland, Harford County Public Library and the U.S. Taekwondo Academy. Tracy Hart from 104.7 The Point served as Master of Ceremonies.

 

Commenting on the record-breaking turnout for this year’s event, Health Promotion Specialist Bari Klein said, “Healthy Harford Day has grown in attendance since its inception in 2010 and the continued enthusiasm for this event is reflective of how much of an impact Healthy Harford is having on the community. Returning guests and new visitors alike are eager to learn more about all aspects of healthier living, and we are happy to share information about all the ways Harford County supports healthy lifestyles.”

 

Healthy Harford Executive Director Sharon Lipford adds, “Every year since Healthy Harford Day began we have added new classes and vendors in response to requests from attendees. We plan to continue expanding Healthy Harford Day, as well as other Healthy Harford programs, as we work to make Harford County the healthiest community in Maryland.”

Kids try the rock wall set up by the Maryland Army National Guard at Healthy Harford Day 2015.
Kids try the rock wall set up by the Maryland Army National Guard at Healthy Harford Day 2015.

Healthy Harford Day 2015 sponsors included Addiction Recovery Systems Aberdeen, Klein’s Shoprite, The Arena Club, Greg Krause Helmet Foundation, Drayer Physical Therapy, Harford County Public Library, Harford County Government Department of Community Services, Mid Atlantic Dairy Association, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Employee Benefit Systems, Advanced Eye Care Aesthetics, Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County, PHI Air Medical, Dr. Mary Cleaves Duncan, The Bike Shop of Bel Air, 104.7 The Point radio, Harford Style Magazine, the Bel Air Farmers’ Market, and the Town of Bel Air.

 

For more information and tips on healthy living in Harford County, follow Healthy Harford on Facebook, Twitter and www.healthyharford.org.

 

 

About Healthy Harford

Healthy Harford is the Healthy Communities Initiative of Harford County. A non-profit 501c3, Healthy Harford is a coalition of local government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and citizens dedicated to improving the health of Harford County residents. Founded in 1993 by community leaders from the Harford County Health Department, Harford County Government, and University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Healthy Harford’s sole vision is to make Harford County the healthiest community in Maryland.

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