Pennington Biomedical to Host the 3rd Annual Senior Black American Health Fair on Saturday, March 30

March 13, 2024 · Baton Rouge, LA

---

Annual event to feature educational speakers, health screenings and fun fitness.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is proud to open the campus for the 3rd annual Senior Black American Health Fair. Open to residents in the Greater Baton Rouge region and beyond, the health fair will take place on Saturday, March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the C.B. Pennington Conference Center Building, located at 6400 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. With an active day full of engaging fitness activities, participants are encouraged to dress in comfortable activewear.

“In its third year, the Senior Black American Health Fair is set to once again connect senior African Americans, and all seniors with beneficial health information,” said Dr. Robert L. Newton, Jr., Professor and Director of Pennington Biomedical’s Physical Activity and Ethnic Minority Health Lab. “The activities planned provide a wide range of opportunities for participants to learn about their health, get active and have fun.”

Health Screenings will be held throughout the day, including screenings for glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, cancer, stroke assessment and memory screening, which is especially important for seniors. Breakfast will be served, as well as lunch provided by Chef Celeste. The day will be filled with music and dancing, fun exercises and activities, and attendees can engage in a virtual reality experience. Educational talks will feature subjects ranging from football and health to brain-boosting habits. A checklist and schedule booklet will be provided to participants. Get your booklet items checked off completely to receive a gift. 

“The day will be filled with fun, but more importantly, it’s an easy pathway to connect the Baton Rouge community with free services for better understanding and awareness of personal health,” said Dr. Owen Carmichael, Professor and Director of Biomedical Imaging at Pennington Biomedical. “Pennington Biomedical is committed to spreading our insights, advice and guidance with our friends and neighbors across Baton Rouge.”

The event is sponsored by Our Lady of the Lake Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, Aetna, AARP Baton Rouge, Coca-Cola United, The Links Incorporated, and Junior Leage of Baton Rouge. In addition to Pennington Biomedical Research Center, The Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation is serving as a hosting sponsor. 

“We want all Baton Rouge residents to live long and healthy lives, and this unique event is tailored to address health concerns specific to African American seniors in our community,” said East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “Pennington Biomedical is not only conducting groundbreaking research, but this event shows that they are very serious about giving back to the community. Seniors should come out and take advantage of the health screenings, educational talks, and fun activities.”

The educational talks include a discussion on cancer treatment and prevention by Dr. Nicholas Leblanc of Our Lady of the Lake and Dr. Matthew Calamia of LSU’s Department of Psychology, who will share brain-boosting habits for healthy aging. Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Owen Carmichael will discuss medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease, and Coach Terrence Graves of Southern University will provide insights into football and health.
 
“We are so glad that we are supported in our efforts by our local sponsors, as they share our goal of improving the health of all people,” said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “Our campus is uniquely positioned to deliver insights from ‘cells to society,’ bringing research and discoveries from our laboratories to Baton Rouge residents. The Senior Black American Health Fair is rapidly becoming one of our landmark annual events, and I am confident this year’s fair will be a delight to all participants.”