Mount Sinai’s annual health fair

Over 600 people attended the annual health fair of The Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens on Saturday, June 7. Held in Astoria, in the parking lot of Lady of Mount Carmel Church, the six-hour event attracted people from the neighborhood and beyond.
Amid pop music, free sandwiches and chitchatting, visitors were able to get a variety of free screenings, including bone density, cholesterol and blood pressure. Massage sessions were also available.
The purpose of the fair was to offer free screenings in a fun environment, said Caryn Schwab, CEO of Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens. “So many times people hate going to the physician - and that’s difficult here too because of language barriers,” Schwab explained.
“We provide these [screenings] to give people a general idea. It does not take the place of a check-up,” said John Kump, senior director for marketing communications at Mount Sinai.
For the first time this year, visitors were also able to donate blood. The blood drive is important because about 60 percent of the blood New Yorkers use comes from out of state, explained Kump.
Patti Sheridan, from 21st Street and 30th Drive, was one of the people who donated blood. She said she also enjoyed the event. “People of all ages are here; that’s nice,” she said.
Kathy Vidinich, from 49th Street and Astoria Boulevard, came with her husband for a blood pressure and cholesterol screening. “I like to get an opinion,” she said although she goes to her doctor every four months. She thought some of the results were inaccurate though.
The fair had several co-sponsors, including the United Community Civic Association, Port Authority of New Jersey and New York and New York City Department of Corrections.