Mayor’s Inaugural Wellness Fair Exceeds Expections

By Robin G. Pilus

Around 200 participants and 30 exhibitors shared information on getting and staying healthy at the Mayor’s Inaugural Wellness Fair held on Thursday,  April 7th.  The event was held in conjunction with National Workplace Wellness Week.

According to Robert Parsons, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, the event “exceeded expectations.”

Robert Parsons, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, welcomes participants.

Parson’s indicated that the County is continuing to increase their commitment to creating a healthier community and sited the Mayor’s new ‘Walk on Wednesday’ program as a demonstrated example of  how Mayor Arakawa is striving to set a good example of balancing exercise with a very demanding schedule.   

Each Wednesday, the Mayor walks 30 minutes around the noon hour and invites employees and public to come and walk with him, according to Parsons.

Besides organizations and businesses offering booths with information and specials, the Mayor’s Wellness Fair also offered health screenings, massages and several dynamic presentations focused on different health issues.

Elinor Takahashi, Information and Outreach worker with the Office on Aging was present at the fair to pass out literature about services available to kupuna.  “This is a great idea,” Takahashi said.  “It’s nice to see the County show a renewed and vigorous commitment to health.”

Jerry Santapia and Phil Schliep enjoy participating in the Mayor's Wellness Fair.

Jerry Santarpia and Phil Schliep from Powerhouse Gym in Kihei were pleased to be spreading the work about the importance of maintaining a regular workout schedule.  They were pleased to offer County employees a discounted rate if they joined the gym.  Powerhouse Gym also provided a  grand prize give away of  a year’s free membership.

According to Parsons, he expected that the event would be repeated next year and based on the success of the day would likely grow.