MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Loyola University Chicago nursing, dietetic, medical and graduate students and faculty will celebrate the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, by teaching the community about bone health at two upcoming fairs. Loyola students will spend this holiday, which honors the deceased using skulls and skeletons, to educate adolescents and young adults about developing healthy bones through diet and lifestyle choices. They also will provide older adults with information about bone health screening guidelines.
“Young people typically are not concerned with their bone health,” said Sandi Tenfelde, PhD, RN, WHNP, assistant professor, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON). “These fairs will expose them to information that will encourage them to make positive diet and lifestyle choices to protect their bones.”
One fair will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School at 1852 W. 22nd Place in Chicago. The other will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, at St. Procopius Holy Trinity School at 1641 S. Allport St. in Chicago.
“The health fairs offer an outlet for underserved populations to obtain valuable resources, which they might not otherwise receive,” said Gail Hanson, MSN, RN, assistant professor, MNSON. “They also provide our students with a great opportunity to collaborate with the community to begin to understand the unique needs of their future patients.”
The bone health exhibits will include a tasting station where students can sample and learn about different types of milk. Attendees also will receive information about the importance of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones. Other topics Loyola students and faculty will cover include diabetes prevention, heart health, smoking cessation, dangers of drunken driving, stress reduction, yoga and pelvic floor health.
“We make the health fairs entertaining to engage students and the community with valuable information while also giving them access to screenings and care,” Dr. Tenfelde said. “Bringing our services beyond the walls of the health system gives students and those without regular medical care healthy-living strategies to maintain their health.”