FRANKFORT, Ky.  (Aug. 5, 2005) --- The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is Close to the Heart of Kentucky as the Commonwealth celebrates its 100^th State Fair, Aug. 19-29.

This is the first year for the recently consolidated cabinet, formerly Health Services and Families and Children, to appear at the State Fair in a joined space, spanning two prime exhibit areas – Health Horizons and Main Street.  The CHFS exhibit is still loaded with interactive games and screenings, but some of the displays will encourage participants to educate themselves on how to take better care of their bodies.  

The overall theme, Close to the Heart of Kentucky, addresses both health and family services issues.  The Health Horizons side focuses on one of the Fletcher Administration’s health priorities -- heart disease and other associated health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, nutrition and exercise.  The Main Street side emphasizes foster care, adoption, and abuse prevention.

In addition, the exhibit features different program areas each day on a rotating basis.  The booth will be decorated with hearts to highlight the theme and brightly colored vegetables and fruits to underscore the importance of eating healthy foods.

“We want Kentuckians to realize the importance of taking care of themselves and their families both physically and mentally.  At the same time, we want people to be aware of the role the Cabinet for Health and Family Services can play in helping them do this,” said Dr. James W. Holsinger, Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.  “We are featuring the top areas as denoted in Healthy Kentuckians 2010 such as cardiovascular health, tobacco cessation, diabetes, nutrition, high blood pressure, and physical activity.  And, our booth also provides information about human resource programs that assist and strengthen families and children such as adoption, foster care and abuse prevention.” 

Furthermore, CHFS employees from the Nutrition Services Branch help the Louisville Metro Health Department staff the Rock ‘N’ Relax room, also located in the South Wing near the Kidz Biz area.  The booth provides parents a clean, safe place at the State Fair to nurse and change their infants.   

The line-up for the CHFS Close to the Heart of Kentucky display for both rotating and static exhibits is:

Date                           Area                          Interactive Event  _____   

Rotating Displays

Aug. 19          Cardinal Hill (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)           Glucose and Cholesterol Testing, Home Safety,

                                                                        and Grip Strength Testing

                 Cardiovascular (3-10 p.m.)      Cardio Gym for Children - 3-10 p.m.

Aug. 20       Oral Health                          Tooth Tree Game  

Aug. 21           Substance Abuse Prevention           DUI Goggles

Aug. 22           Diabetes                                       Diabetic Counseling 

Aug. 23           Mental Health                              Stress Inventory Test

Aug. 24           Aging Services & Arthritis             Quiz on Aging Information such as

                                                                        Elder Abuse, and Activity Wheel Game.

Aug. 25            Product Safety                             Bean Bag Toss w/Recalled Product Info.

                        Lead Safety                                Model House with Lead Hazard Areas

Aug. 26             Women's Health                          Bone Density Scanning

Aug. 27              Diabetes                                    Diabetic Counseling

 Aug. 28             Cardiology Clinic for Children       Match Game

 Aug. 29             Cardiovascular                            Cardio Gym for Children

Static Displays

 8/19-29            Fast Food Fat Facts

8/19-29            Cardiovascular Health

8/19-29            Blood pressure machines     

8/19-29            Nutritional Counseling with Weight Scales

8/19-29            Body Fat Analysis (10 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

8/19-29            Diabetes (staffed on 8/22 and 27 only)

8/19-29            Physical Activity

8/19-29            Tobacco Prevention and Cessation

8/19-29            Shining Star Photo Gallery (Special Needs Adoption Program)

8/19-29            Kentucky’s Favorite Meal

8/19-29            Abuse Prevention/Awareness Commitment Flag Signing

8/19-29            Safety Star – Child Safety Quiz

8/19-29            Senior Appreciation Activity

Admission at the gate is $7 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.  Parking is $5 per vehicle.  For more information about the State Fair, visit www.kystatefair.org

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