Weather Dampens Four Corners Health Fair

Historical June 1976 account of the April 24 Health Fair; period medical descriptions are preserved as source material.

The Four Corners Health Fair held under rainy skies on April 24 was a moderate success, and worth trying again, was the feeling of the People’s Clinic and Des Peres Library, after it was over. Though the gloom of the weather discouraged people, approximately 175 were counted entering the Library, and 15 people were tested for sickle cell/lead poisoning/anemia, and many were tested for high blood pressure.

The firemen’s van which dispenses food and drinks to the firemen at disasters was there, giving out orange juice, until about 3 p.m. when it had to leave to go to a fire. The Humane Society and VD Action vans were there, giving out educational pamphlets. And the Clinic itself had a booth on the corner, describing Clinic services and encouraging memberships.

Across the street and out of the rain, the American Cancer Society’s “Smoking Sam” demonstrated the deposit of tar which is left in the lungs after smoking only a few cigarettes. A number of children and adults seemed to be impressed by that message. Multi-media information on health, fire and health careers also was shown all day. A set of cassettes describing such health problems as early cancer detection and the dangers of hypertension were shown; these will be returned to the Library for a longer period soon. The Fire Department provided a film on the dangers of fire; other films included nutritional and family life topics.

Christine Smith, Administrator of the Clinic, wore her red feather all day to ward off rain, and it succeeded rather well. Well enough that both sponsoring groups are ready to risk April weather and plan another, bigger and better Second Annual Health Fair for next year.

Originally published in The Paper, June 1976.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Original source: SD_Times1976_06.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.