CRESTVIEW — At 2 years old, Tristan Keown doesn’t quite understand everything he saw at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's Ninth Annual Community Health Fair, but he did spy something he’d like.
“No, you’re not getting a doggie,” his mom, Anna Keown, said, guiding her son past a pet adoption area at the Crestview Community Center.
Click here or below left (under Related Content) for photos from the event.
Dogs and cats and outdoor games on the commons were an introduction to the Saturday morning event, but organizers in the chamber's Health and Wellness Committee had residents’ well-being foremost in mind.
Inside were dozens of exhibitors, including North Okaloosa Medical Center, Twin Cities Hospital and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, local medical offices and government health services.
Dozer the Therapy Dog padded around offering “free hugs,” according to a sign around his neck, while Seniors vs. Crime volunteers informed residents of the latest scams circulating in the area.
Residents loaded tote bags with complimentary literature, pens, drink koozies and bite-size candies as they perused displays, got health screenings, and examined modern and vintage surgical equipment displayed by Dr. David Herf’s office.
“It’s kind of a one-stop health center,” resident Ellie Gleason said as she and her daughter, Megan, got their cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure checked at a table staffed by local Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy students.
“Except for all the candy,” she added, popping a couple Jolly Ranchers into her tote.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview health fair draws crowds for free screenings, information (PHOTOS)