Edenwald: Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair Encourages Healthy Living

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES

NUTRITIONIST GLORIA BENT from Bent on Wellness and Avril Francis, The Avril Show radio producer, talk about healthy eating at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Síle Moloney

Nutritionist Gloria Bent of “Bent on Wellness” hosted the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.

Despite the rain, the event was a successful one according to organizers, with attendees enjoying plenty of fun, dancing, and catching up, while also get educated about healthy living.

REPRESENTATIVES OF NCNW North Bronx Section, a school located at 4035 White Plains Road, hand out healthy living resources at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Founded by a group of African-American women in 1968 as a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501c(3) organization, The Bridgefield Civil League, Inc. has supported the Northeast Bronx community through charitable events, educational programs, and cultural events, according to its website.

Its mission is dedicated to strengthening communities across The Bronx and New York City by promoting civic engagement, education, and social responsibility.

ATTENDEES AT THE Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx were able to have their blood pressure and blood sugar levels tested on Saturday, June 27. Resources were also available advising attendees about obesity and what to eat and what not to eat to manage the condition.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Located at 1250 East 229th Street, the YMCA was transformed into an exhibition, tabling, and dancing venue with a focus on three areas. The Health & Wellness aspect focused on promoting healthier lifestyles. Attendees were, for example, able to get their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked.

A second area focused on community support. Aleksander Nilaj from the American Albanian Open Hand Association supplied and distributed boxes of free fruit for the community, while organized highlighted the importance of a healthy diet.

GLORIA BENT, A nutritionist, talks to attendees about healthy eating, drinking lots of water and dancing at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

The third aspect was atmosphere. The event featured great music that got people dancing and interacting, while there was also plenty of other healthy food options to enjoy.

A YOUNG BOY had his face painted at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Attendees were also encouraged to keep the summer momentum going by continuing to eat healthily.

ATTENDEES TAKE TO the dance floor at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

As reported, The Bronx continues to rank last out of New York’s 62 counties when it comes to good health.

REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS organizations tabled at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

This is despite various initiatives and events aimed at improving the ranking like the annual “Run the Bronx” and “Tour de Bronx.”

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE Office of the Bronx District Attorney Darcel D Clark hand out miniature first-aid kits and other resources at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Elsewhere, there was face-painting for kids, and a host of organizations tabled and shared various health and wellness information.

DEBRA TIRADO, PRESIDENT of the Bridgefield Legion, along with her young nephews enjoy healthy eating and dancing at the Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Among these were Avril Francis, radio producer with the Avril Show, the Office of the Bronx District Attorney, NCNW North Bronx Section, a school located at 4035 White Plains Road and more.

The Bridgefield Civic League Health Fair was held at the Northeast YMCA in the Edenwald section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 27.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

*Síle Moloney contributed to this story.

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