Health and wellness forum in Elmont

A health and wellness forum will be held Thursday in Elmont to educate the public about physical and  mental health and to increase awareness about available services.

The forum will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Elmont Memorial Library and is free.

Sponsored by Legis. Carrié Solages (D-Elmont), the forum will feature health-related information and giveaways including elder health care advice, blood pressure screenings, dental screenings, stroke awareness resources, massage therapy, health insurance and financial advice, and mammography screenings (appointment required). A nutritionist also will be present.

“It is important to be proactive about health issues and engage in preventative care,” Solages said in an email. “In communities like Elmont and Valley Stream we see a higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease, mental health issues and other health issues. We must do more to educate people as to the services available to them by their county and partnering health care advocates. I encourage all residents of my district to take advantage of this free event.”

Giveaways and booklets will be provided from local chapters of national health care organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Red Cross.

Refreshments also will be provided.