Photo by C.J. Salgado
By C.J. Salgado
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, eggnog, pudding, and cranberry apple cake … Okay, so the holiday season may not be the easiest time of year to pause and think about our eating habits. We gotta say “yes” to all the culinary temptations, right? After all, it is the holidays
However, for many locals at a community health fair and ribbon cutting ceremony in East Los Angeles on Friday, it was tough not to think about that very thing. The event at the Bienvenidos Community Health Center provided health screenings, flu shots, and expert advise on nutrition to the many families, children, and officials that attended.
Bienvenidos, a non-profit, community-based organization serving East L.A., also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil their “new” Community Mobile Health Clinic, a customized vehicle refurbished thanks to a $41,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare, according to Bienvenidos’ Deborah Villar, Sr. Vice President, External Relations. Once it begins service, the mobile clinic will be staffed with a doctor or nurse to go out to local schools, parks, and other gathering places to offer a range of primary care service.
One of the most interesting presenters at the event was “Chris” who ably manned the UnitedHealthcare booth, explaining to wide-eyed listeners about the unhealthy levels of sugar or salt contained in some common food, drink, or snack items. With realistic props of typical meals, he offered guidance on making more nutritious eating choices. With diabetes such a growing problem these days, such wise advice is truly a priceless gift of life. So, despite the holiday goodies, who could say “no” to that.
