FISH of SanCap will host its Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The event will bring health, wellness and community resources together in one location, with a focus on the needs of older adults living on Sanibel and Captiva.
The Senior Health Fair is free and open to all, regardless of age. RSVPs are encouraged and can be made at https://seniorhealthfair.rsvpify.com/. Parking is available at the Sanibel Community House and Community Park parking lots, as well as across the street at the BIG ARTS Strauss lot.
Presented in partnership with Lee Health, the Senior Health Fair will give community members an opportunity to meet directly with healthcare and community organizations, ask questions and learn about services and resources that support healthy aging, independence and quality of life.
“Finding the right information or knowing who to call can sometimes be one of the hardest parts of getting help,” said Erika Arnowitz, FISH Senior Services Director. “The Health Fair gives everyone a chance to have those conversations face to face, learn what is available and make connections they can use now or in the future.”
Lee Health will join FISH as the event’s primary healthcare partner, showcasing several of its programs, including their Military Support Network, Heart Institute, DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans to measure bone density and risk for osteoporosis and Trauma and Injury Prevention.
Other participating organizations include Avow Hospice, Comfort Keepers, Dubin Center, Maris Dental, Santiva Islanders, PWR Wellness Center, Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, Shell Point Retirement Community, The Treehouse Sanibel, United Way 211, and many others.
Among the services available will be brain health screenings led by Dr. Starlette Sinclair, Psychology B.A. Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. Five Cognivue digital cognitive assessment devices and technicians will be available. The self-administered screenings take approximately 15 minutes, with results provided following the assessment and staff available to review them with participants. Cognivue uses FDA-cleared technology to assess cognitive performance and provide information that participants can share with their healthcare providers.
Several other screenings and health services will be available throughout the day. Sanibel-based Shore Longevity will share information on fitness and healthy aging, including strength, balance, mobility, recovery and nutrition, with a focus on helping older adults continue the activities they enjoy.
Sanibel CVS pharmacist Susan McClintock will administer flu shots and other vaccines, with no appointment necessary. Breakthrough Health Center will offer complimentary neurological scans focused on nerve health and potential signs of neuropathy.
The OnSpot Dermatology bus will be at the Sanibel Community House from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for skin cancer screenings and other dermatological services. Appointments are required and can be made at onspotdermatology.com/FISH or by calling 941-444-0011. Most insurance, including Medicare, is accepted. The self-pay fee is $150, and those needing financial assistance may contact FISH at 239-472-4775.
The Sanibel Police Department will also participate, offering safe disposal of unwanted or expired medications, information about proper medication disposal and education about scams that commonly target older adults.
Attendees can also connect with Fleet Feet for foot screenings and information about common foot and knee conditions; Exact Sciences for information on cancer screening and early detection; the Multiple Sclerosis Center of SWFL for information about MS and local support groups; and other health and community organizations.
FISH provides Senior Services throughout the year to help older adults remain connected, independent and supported. Programs include Meals-by-FISH, Friendly Faces social gatherings, reassurance calls, transportation assistance, medical equipment loans, Smile Boxes and individual assistance connecting residents with services and resources. Donations and grant funding help make these programs available to the community, including support from CAMEO of Lee County for Friendly Faces and Smile Boxes.
Those who would like to help FISH continue providing programs and resources for older adults can donate at FISH donation page, https://fishofsancap.org/donation-form/, noting Senior Services in the dedication, or by contacting FISH at 239-472-4775.
“Healthy aging looks different for every person, and needs can change over time,” continued Arnowitz. “FISH wants older adults to feel supported as those needs change. Bringing so many providers together gives community members a chance to explore what is available and think about the services that can help them stay healthy, active and independent.”
For additional information about the Senior Health Fair or FISH Senior Services, contact Erika Arnowitz, FISH Senior Services Director, at 239-472-4775 or erika@fishofsancap.org.
