Health is something people of all ages need to talk about, according to Sedona Fire District Public Information Officer Gary Johnson.

To encourage conversation between the community and health care providers, SFD hosted the second annual Sedona Health Fair on Saturday, May 5, at Station No. 3 in the Village of Oak Creek.

Health is something people of all ages need to talk about, according to Sedona Fire District Public Information Officer Gary Johnson.

To encourage conversation between the community and health care providers, SFD hosted the second annual Sedona Health Fair on Saturday, May 5, at Station No. 3 in the Village of Oak Creek.

“You have to take responsibility for your own wellness,” Christine Walker, executive director at Kachina Point Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, said. Walker helped Johnson organize the event.

According to Walker, the fair aimed to promote “all-surrounding health” by offering various health screening stations.

Southwestern Eye Center had a sight testing machine — similar to one used when taking a driving exam — to test people’s eyes. Those who failed received a card for service and encouragement to take better care of their “peepers.”

Immunotec Research’s booth displayed immune system boosting dietary supplements owners Dr. Carl and Sandi Schenholm swear by.

According to Sandi Schenholm, since she started talking the supplements two years ago, she has suffered from only one cold.

Verde Valley Medical Center Sedona Campus Cancer Center screened residents for sun damage.

Walker said Arizona natives didn’t fare too well at this station. Walker stressed the importance of wearing sunscreen where the sun is radiant.

VOC resident Lilian Seiser wandered over to the skin care booth to take a peak.

“It [health fair] makes us aware of what’s going on,” Seiser said.

Good health is important and the health fair offers valuable information, Seiser said.

Along with promoting good health, Johnson said SFD used the event to make residents aware of the VVMC’s Village of Oak Creek branch.

VVMC Village of Oak Creek  Health Center, located in Bell Rock Plaza, opened in November 2005.

VVMC Sedona Campus kept hearing from VOC residents they wanted more accessible health care, VVMC Sedona Campus Marketing Specialist Kim Johanson said.

The center offers primary health care, visiting specialists’ services and lab work. The facility is not an urgent care center and patients are seen by appointment, Johanson said.

Over 100 people attended the fair, keeping volunteers busy with a steady flow of residents, Johanson said.

Johnson said, with the help of more volunteers, SFD hopes to host a fair next year and eventually expand.

“Our goal is to keep it going,” Johnson said.