San Antonio (Oct. 30, 2003) – “Celebrando La Salud de la Familia Hispana,” a health fair featuring information about Alzheimer’s disease, is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Villita Assembly Building, 401 Villita St. in San Antonio. Members of the Alzheimer’s Awareness Task Force of San Antonio, including Sharon Lewis, Ph.D., of the School of Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC), have organized this free public service for the community.
In addition to free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screening, the fair will showcase San Antonio-area resources that are available to families affected by Alzheimer’s. The event will promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among Hispanics and communicate the message that Alzheimer’s can be managed more appropriately if diagnosed early.
Twenty-four students from the UTHSC School of Nursing will offer the free screenings. Two of the top attractions in San Antonio, the Marks Brothers and ZAMAR, will provide free entertainment.
Free parking is available at the nearby Riverbend Garage on the corner of Presa and Market streets. Stamps for parking stubs will be available at the health fair.
An estimated 1 in 10 persons over age 65 and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 4 million Americans are affected. Language barriers, lack of awareness and lack of information geared to Hispanics prevent some families from seeking resources and support in their time of need.
Note to media: Spanish language interviews are available.