By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace is sponsoring a pair of events this weekend as a way to encourage St. John the Baptist Parish residents to embrace healthier lifestyles.

This morning, the church will conduct a 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. at the Highway 51 Park in LaPlace. Events continue tomorrow with the church’s first annual health fair, from noon to 3 p.m. at the church gym, located at 1929 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace.

The health fair is free and open to the public, but participants must register for the 5K run/walk. Registration fee is $10 for those aged 7 and older and can be paid on the morning of the event, between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Registration includes a T-shirt and entrance into the food area following the race. There is no charge for participants 6 and under.

Sunday’s health fair will host numerous local agencies, including River Parishes Hospital, Correct Health Services, MD2U Medical Care, The Medical Center of Louisiana, St. John Health & Human Services, NO/ AIDS Task Force and Gem Drugs. Vendors will provide health information and consultations regarding prescriptions, vitamins and possible interactions. Free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, vision, weight/body mass index and HIV will be available. Residents can also obtain important information on heart failure, diabetes, mental health, hypertension and high cholesterol.

“Louisiana is ranked 49th on the United Health Foundation’s list of healthiest states,” said New Wine Pastor Neil Bernard. “It is our desire to encourage the citizens of St. John to begin exercising and eating right. Illnesses in our area could possibly be eliminated if we adopt healthier lifestyles of eating right, exercising and resting properly.”

Cash door prizes, as well as health and fitness items and refreshments will be available. Bernard said the community health events correspond with a church initiative known as “50 days to a Healthier You.” He said the congregation began the program on July 15, and it will end Sept. 2.

For more information, please call 985-653-0008, or send an email to events@ newwinelaplace.org.