Friday, January 08, 1999
Doctor plans community health fair
BY SUE MacDONALD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
From the “why didn't someone do this before?” department comes this idea from a Cincinnati physician: a four-day exposition dedicated to keeping people active and in charge of their own good health.
It's a dream of Dr. Clyde Brown, president of Preventive Health Strategies in College Hill. The former family physician now is an occupational medicine specialist who consults with local businesses and individuals about health and wellness.
He intends to rent out the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center June 10-13 for a community health fair that focuses on keeping people well and disease-free, not throwing expensive health-care dollars at them after they get sick and chronically ill.
“Our social habits and behaviors are ingrained,” Dr. Brown says. “They're difficult to change. Yet the things we do to ourselves cause most of the problems we have. The focus of this expo is to prevent problems and stop the disease process before it turns serious.”
He hopes to bring to the convention center a variety of sponsors, exhibitors, agencies, programs and individuals interested in educating the public and community about health, fitness, nutrition, drug prevention, safety, wellness and other proactive topics.
Dr. Brown graduated from Case Western Reserve University Medical School in 1985 and worked as an emergency physician and family doctor for nine years. In 1997, he received a master's degree in occupational medicine and public health from the University of Michigan and has changed his focus to wellness.
At the expo, he envisions doctors, nutritionists, health and fitness clubs, dentists, massage therapists, restaurants, health food stores, sporting goods, bookstores, chiropractors, drug companies, health screening booths, alternative medicine specialists and environmentalists sharing space and offering information.
He points out that Cincinnati in 1997 was ranked the eighth most-obese city in the United States and has higher-than-average rates of heart disease, cancer and tobacco use. Other chronic health problems linked to lifestyle include high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.
By offering practical information on good nutrition, exercise, alternative health, self-care, stress management and more, he hopes that individuals and the entire community will be more viable and productive.
Dr. Brown is a member of the National Coalition of Healthier Cities and Communities, a national network of
wellness advocates.
He hopes this first-ever exposition will plant the seeds for more awareness of lifestyle choices and changes that can help people live healthier lives. For example, local businesses that do not have in-house wellness programs can use the exposition as their own, he says.
But getting people to change ideas and habits about health is an uphill battle, he knows.
“In our health-care system, in our society, we want that quick pill, and it doesn't exist,” he says. “And even if it does exist, it costs an arm and a leg. Modern medicine has some advanced treatments, but most people will be better helped by prevention.
“This expo is a shoestring, grass roots operation, and my hope is that it will catch on,” he says.
For information about sponsorship, exhibits or programs, call 681-4534 or 602-5346.
Reinstating 911 dispatcher is bad call
More snow, ice pelt region
Surviving the cold
City to double road-plowing force
Backup plan for child care vital in storm
Landlords charged after heat goes off
SNOW NOTEBOOK
Plea in Devin's case decried
Some Dems wary of plan to change city election
City investigating bills from contractor
County seeks way to recover money from PRO Seniors
Elder Cafe called drag on Findlay renewal
Three Sycamore seniors ace college-entrance exams
Affair of two lifetimes soured by estate fight
Center director debuts tonight
Charges pile up against Wal-Mart optometrist
Court won't hear NKU sexual-harassment case
Doctor plans community health fair
Firm to clean Fernald silo containing radioactive waste
Gang signs concern Boone County officials
Inmate gives jailer $200 thank-you
Mason schools seek substitute teachers
Middletown officers object to new shifts
Phone service area may expand
Schools assessment has praise for KERA
Suspect denies rape in Kings Island case
TRISTATE DIGEST
