Related Links... Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Methodist Physical Therapy

t started out as an open house, but grew to be a special health fair that drew over 150 area seniors to Methodist Physical Therapy’s (MPT) outpatient clinic. September’s "Seniors in Shape" health fair saw seniors from all over MPT’s service area-including Oak Ridge, Clinton, Harriman and LaFollette.

"We wanted people to know about the excellent physical, occupational and speech therapy resources that are available to them in their own backyard," said Renee Duncan, manager of MPT’s outpatient clinic. "Our idea started out as a simple open house, but soon expanded to a full-blown health fair-and the response from our senior community was terrific!"

Seniors in Shape featured free screenings, informational booths, refreshments and door prizes. Tours of the physical therapy center were also held throughout the day. Screenings included: flexibility, fall prevention, bone density, grip strength, blood pressure/heart rate, and body composition. Literature and counseling were also available at the resource booths to help seniors with issues related to caregivers, body mechanics, osteoporosis, lymphedema, footwear and walking program guidelines.

"It was a great event to be a part of," added Duncan. "Not only did our seniors enjoy it, but our staff had a wonderful time preparing for and hosting the fair as well. We’re already looking forward to next year!"