HealthFest 2016: “free community health day on January 23”

From a press release:

“HealthFest 2016, a free, community gathering, will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 23 at Unity of Washington, D.C. [1225 R Street, Northwest] All are invited to join for this amazing day of yoga and fitness, free health screenings and hands-on cooking demonstrations, talks on taking control of your health and fun activities for the kids.

The impetus behind this event reaches beyond this local area. For the past few years, area medical students have been working with a team of local integrative doctors to present International Integrative Health Day on January 23 and it will be celebrated in Washington, D.C. in a big way. Bringing together the strength of several area medical groups and practices, integrative medical students, health coaches and Natural Awakenings magazine, a fun-filled day of health and wellness is being planned for the community.

Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing. The purpose of this event is to inspire dialog, education, collaboration, research initiatives and programming about medicine and health that is patient-centered, holistic, economically and environmentally sustainable and conscious of integrating different global medical systems.

There is a wide range of activities for all ages. The day starts at 10 a.m. with some fun fitness opportunities, with free Zumba and high-intensity dance classes offered by coaches from FitDC, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s forward-reaching plan to bring health and wellness to the citizens of the District. Exhibitors and practitioners from local area, many with national recognition, will be a part of our exhibit hall, which opens with comments from local dignitaries at noon. There will be free health screenings provided by students from Howard University Medical School as well as children’s activities, hosted by the Happy Yogi. A special kid’s yoga class will be offered in the afternoon as well, although parents (and others) are welcome to join, too. There will also be an opportunity to log your steps by visiting different booths and to add your step count to FitDC’s tally to get D.C. residents and workers to walk 1 billion steps.

There is a great selection of free workshops throughout the afternoon, including hands-on cooking demos for kids and seniors with nutritionist Julie Wendt, a talk on the importance and benefits of holistic dentistry with The DC Dentist, Dr. Terry Victor, workshops on ways to incorporate art and journaling into a busy life, a talk by noted naturopathic physician, Deidre Orceyre, on discovering home remedies that really work, a workshop stress reduction by the effervescent, Dr. Ilana Seidel and an opportunity to learn the basics in Massage 101.

In a keynote address by Jesse Torrence, the executive director of Minds, Incorporated, the latest information will be shared about the work being done by this amazing local organization. They work with students, teachers and parents to incorporate simple, daily mindfulness practices that help to build awareness and concentration, compassion and creativity in young people. Torrence’s talk will be followed by a raffle for amazing prizes for gifts and services from community businesses and medical practices.

This annual event, sponsored this year by FitDC, AIM Health Institute, Maryland University of Integrative Health and Natural Awakenings, promises to help all the residents of Washington, D.C. find health and wellness in the new year. Join the fun on January 23.

For more information, the schedule and to register for the special raffle, visit HealthFest.info.”