Walk and Roll event set for March 7 at Robert E. Lee

The disABILITY EXPO/Walk and Roll event is scheduled 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 7 at the Robert E. Lee High School gym, track and field, and at Rose Rudman Park, 411 ESE Loop 323. East Texas Disability Services Network partners sponsors the event.

The expo and walk is an advocacy and informational regional event for individuals of all ages and their families who are impacted by a disability. It’s also open to those who serve this population.

In the Lee gym, about 25 vendors will distribute information and provide give-a-ways. Assistive technology and activities will also be available for kids.

There will be various activities on the grounds around the gym and on the track and field for the Walk and Roll. This includes: Special Olympics track and field demonstrations, inflatable playground from children, wheelchair races, obstacle course, accessible vehicle showcase, fire truck display and helicopter touch down will begin at 10:30 a.m. A parade over to the Rose Rudman Trail will begin at 1 p.m. Face painting, balloon designs, and entertainers with disabilities are also included in the day’s activities. For more information, call 903-581-7542.

 

Tyler dentists to provide free care day to uninsured children

In recognition of Children’s Dental Health Month, uninsured Tyler children without access to a dentist have a chance to receive dental care at no cost during the Kool Smiles “Sharing Smiles” free care day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 22 at 1932 ESE Loop 323.

If left untreated, dental decay can lead to pain, difficulty eating and chewing, and more serious infections, some of which can be life threatening.

Dental care will be provided to area children up to 18 years old. Available treatments include dental exams, limited emergency care, extractions, fillings and baby tooth root canals and crowns. Treatments will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and the dentist will determine treatment offerings.

In an effort to serve Tyler children who are in the greatest need, eligibility will be limited to children who have no form of dental insurance. Those interested can visit the Sharing Smiles website at mykoolsmiles.com/sharingsmiles.

 

“10,000 Heart to Hearts” alert older women about heart risks

Teams from the Brookdale Senior Living communities are reaching out to women older than 65 to provide resources in the fight against heart disease risk.

The outreach is part of a nationwide initiative, 10,000 Hearts to Heart during American Heart Month. Local communities participating in the program include Sterling House Assisted Living and Emeritus at Pinehurst.

Through the initiative, teams will discuss risks, and check blood pressure, discuss measures for healthier lifestyles, and provide a Brookdale heart-healthy cookbook.

Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined and on average, women develop heart disease 10 years later than men do, health officials said.

This cardiac risk increases during menopause, when the body reduces production of estrogen, a hormone believed to benefit arteries.

To schedule a 10,000 Hearts to Heart visit, contact Elyse Robinson at 903-258-8518.

A free webinar on heart disease in senior women will be held at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18. To register, go to brookdale.com.