Martha Eliot Health Center

MEHC Health Fair

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Children's Martha Eliot Health Center (MEHC) in Jamaica Plain buzzed with excitement as it celebrated its annual health fair.

This year's theme was "Taking steps to a healthier you". Hundreds of festival-goers took these healthy steps through sports, exercise, dance, and more. Families caught up on health screenings and talked with MEHC and Children's providers about maintaining a healthy lifestyle - including tips on exercise and a healthy diet.

The crowd was also treated to a musical performance from the Home of Celestial Inferno steel drum band from Roxbury's St Cyprians Episcopal Church, a dance tribute for Michael Jackson performed by the Cambridge Youth Dance Program of the Deborah Mason School of Dance, and Zumba exercise demonstration by Health works Fitness. Willie Maye, Boston Celtics’ courtside reporter on Fox Sports Net, served as the master of ceremonies. Jam'n 94.5's morning radio personality Pebbles along with their Jam'n Street Team were on-hand to raffle off prizes. Boston Celtics dancers mingled with local residents and handed out autographed team photos.

In addition, Kohl's Department Stores made a generous gift of $465,484 through Kohl’s Cares for Kids. This gift supports the Kohl's Fitness and Nutrition Program, a part of Children's Fitness in the City initiative. Funds were generated in 2008 through the sale of specialty items in Kohl's Department Stores regionally. Kohl's has contributed more than $3 million to Boston Children's Hospital since 2002 and is currently continuing its support through the Back to School/Fall 2009 merchandise program.

State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez and Boston City Councilor John Tobin celebrated the festivities and recognized the health center for its important role in the community.

"We would like to thank all of our local residents, our partners from Children's and Brigham and Women's Health, our valued neighbors from Bromley Heath and Academy Homes for making this health fair such a success," said Adita Vazquez, Martha Eliot’s community advisory board chairperson.