IBEW Local 1 health fair a huge success

IBEW Local 1 members and their families came out in droves to attend this year’s health fair.

The event, sponsored by the IBEW/NECA Service Center, was held Oct. 3 at the Local 1 Hall, 5850 Elizabeth Ave. It featured free flu shots, comprehensive blood testing, blood pressure analysis and screenings for hearing, speech and memory.

Corey Wirth, administrative manager for IBEW Local 1/NECA service center, said nearly 700 registered for the event. This was the fourth year for the health fair, which is designed to promote the health and well being of the plan’s participants.

“We had about a 25-percent increase in participation this year,” Wirth said. “The success of the health fair grows each year as the word is spread about its value and resources.”

The family-friendly event was a huge hit with the kids. The day featured facepainting, balloon animals, a bounce house and visits by St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird and St. Louis Blues mascot Louie.

Ashly Strumpler, her husband Keith, a Local 1 member, and their children have attended the health fair each year since it began. Strumpler said she and her husband get their bloodwork done, and the whole family gets their flu shots.

“The kids enjoy it because of all the fun activities like the bounce house and facepainting,” Strumpler said. “Plus, it’s always good to get to visit with everyone you don’t see on a regular basis.”

Phyllis Foerstel, wife of the late Elmer Foerstel who retired from Local 1, said she also attends the event each year to get her blood tests. This year, she also took advantage of the free memory test offered at the fair.

“We’ve been coming for years,” Foerstel said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be able to receive the free screenings and love getting to visit with everyone. It’s kind of a social thing.”