The Hmong Health Fair
August 16, 2007
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"How could the people understand this information on nutrition and osteoporosis without your help?" I asked a young man who had just finished translating a nutrition handout for an elder Hmong man. The young man's name was Peter, he's a college student and came to help out the Hmong Elder Connections program with its second annual Hmong Health Fair. The experts in nutrition had taken Peter aside and explained some of the major touchpoints within their education materials. It was clear, even in another language that the elders appreciated his attention to their questions. The looks of surprise when a new concept was explained was universal.
Kazoua Kong-Thao, a member of the St. Paul Board of Education officiated at the event bringing her charisma and warm sense of humor to the over 150 elders who came to the event with its full schedule of activities. In addition to the health events there were instrumental cultural performances of "Qeej Hmong", "Qeej Nplog" and more with folk songs which brought great color to the day.
Many of the vendors of health information including the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Metropolitan Health Plan, the Deparment of Human Services, Medica, The Brain Injury Association, UCare, Hmong American Partnership and University of Minnesota Extension Services among others brought along translators to this year's event. But with the hundreds of people attending the event -- and many people at each vendor table -- the help of volunteers was critical.
Health screenings included blood pressures and diabetes screenings. Persons were given a "Health Passport" which helped screeners for blood glucose (provided by Abbott Laboratory) and blood pressures (provided by North Point Clinic), record the results of the screenings. People were directed to speak with their doctor if there were questions about results.
Hmong Elder Connections is located at the Park ElderCenter, both services of Volunteers of America of Minnesota.
For more information:
Hmong Elder Connections Program
Park ElderCenter
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