In a heartwarming initiative to promote health and wellness, Beverly Blunt, founder and director of Divine Dances of the Delta, recently hosted an innovative health event in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The event seamlessly integrated dynamic line dancing sessions with a comprehensive health fair aimed specifically at the African American community, making a strong case for the importance of exercise alongside traditional health education.
Held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, this event attracted several hundred attendees throughout the day. With over 30 health-focused vendors on site, the fair provided a unique opportunity for community members to engage in a variety of activities that cater to both physical and holistic wellness. Blunt emphasized that unlike typical health fairs, which primarily focus on screenings and education, her event integrated physical activity as a crucial component. “A lot of people have health fairs, but they don’t have the exercise part in it,” she noted.
The event featured a rich array of health services, including fitness training demonstrations, representatives from the local aquatic center, Zumba classes, and even Taekwondo exhibitions. This engaging atmosphere was not just about sports; a significant focus was placed on holistic health, with representatives from local medical institutions conducting essential health screenings. Blunt highlighted the efforts of JRMC in providing crucial health checks like blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose readings.
Moreover, the event didn’t shy away from emphasizing self-care. Attendees had access to a variety of services, such as massages and facials provided by estheticians, along with nutrition counseling from specialists who offered valuable insights about healthy eating. Blunt’s mission was clear: “Everything that’s health-related, they’re here.”
Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, particularly in the African American community—where health disparities are prevalent—Blunt passionately urged attendees to prioritize self-care. “We just need to know that we need to take care of ourselves,” she said, reflecting the community’s urgent need for effective health interventions.
Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers, who welcomed the participants, echoed these sentiments. With a background in the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, she made it clear that community events like this are crucial for encouraging screenings and health checks, especially in a county where poor health outcomes are not uncommon.
One of the event’s distinguished speakers was Dr. Tochi Amagwula Keeton, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and the owner of Health Wise Wellness Direct PLC in Pine Bluff. She has dedicated herself to building a healthcare model that prioritizes patient accessibility and communication. Dr. Keeton spoke passionately about her practice, providing what she described as a “health navigation system” that ensures patients have unlimited access to her expertise, a stark contrast to traditional care that often limits meaningful conversation.
Dr. Keeton’s commitment to her patients was evident as she shared success stories, including that of a patient in her seventies who struggled with obesity for most of her life and was able to lose 60 pounds through focused healthcare. “She gained more time with her grandchildren; she’s now more active, more energetic. And she’s gotten her life back,” Keeton recounted, highlighting how access to proper healthcare transforms lives.
In her talk, Dr. Keeton stressed the importance of being proactive about personal health. She encouraged attendees to know their blood pressure, weight, and hemoglobin A1C, and to never shy away from regular screenings. Her cautionary tale about a celebrity who lost her battle with breast cancer due to avoidable screening delays underscored the urgency. “If you’re afraid of the exam, that there’s something holding you back from getting it, find a physician that you feel comfortable with and talk to them about those fears,” she advised.
The message of personal responsibility echoed throughout the event. Beverly Blunt encouraged everyone to carve out time for self-care amidst their busy lives. “We have times where we don’t have time for ourselves… take care of you. Just take the one hour for you,” she implored attendees, urging them to prioritize their well-being.
The event culminated in an energetic celebration of community through line dancing, uniting the themes of movement and wellness that permeated the day. Line dancing, a passion for many, met the health initiative perfectly, reinforcing that exercise can be fun and social.
For those interested in continuing their journey toward wellness, Divine Dances of the Delta holds regular line dancing classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2402 E. Harding Ave. in Pine Bluff. Beginners can join at 5:15 p.m. followed by the regular classes from 6-7 p.m., and advanced classes from 7-7:30 p.m. This ongoing commitment to health and community engagement is a testament to the sustainable impact that events like this can achieve.
As communities nationwide continue to address health disparities and foster well-being, the combination of physical activity with health education showcased in this event serves as an inspiring model for others to follow. By creating spaces where health is celebrated and prioritized, initiatives like this empower people to take control of their well-being, transforming lives one step—and dance step—at a time.
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