Stamford Hospital and Chelsea Piers team up for health expo

The third annual Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo at Chelsea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Road in Stamford, is Sept. 20-21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

The expo is free. It will feature health screenings provided by Stamford Hospital as well as children”™s activities and more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in health and wellness.

This year, Saturday is designated Pet Wellness Day. Sunday is Healthy Technology Day.

Everyone attending is encouraged to bring nonperishable food for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. There will be raffle prizes.

Stamford Hospital will provide complimentary health screenings for cholesterol and glucose, cardiac and stroke risk assessments, blood pressure tests, body fat analysis, and pulmonary function and hand hygiene tests.

There also will be information on a variety of medical conditions and treatments as well as representatives from Paint the Town Pink to promote breast cancer awareness.

The on-site Stamford Hospital Mobile Wellness Center will offer mammograms, which are covered by most insurance companies and free of charge for the uninsured. Mammography screenings will take place both days. Appointments are recommended. Call 203-276-PINK for scheduling.

Special guests include Bobby Valentine, former professional baseball player and manager and current athletic director at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Visitors will have the opportunity to putt with Valentine at a putting green provided by Golfsmith and sponsored by David Lerner Associates. Proceeds will go to the Sacred Heart University athletic program.

Additional guests will include Sean Hyson, a fitness author and training director of Men”™s Fitness magazine; Gillian Neff, News 12 Connecticut anchor and health reporter; and Cora Ragaini, a registered dietician nutritionist with Grade A ShopRite.

A number of regional businesses are on board, including Grade A ShopRite, which will demonstrate how to make healthy smoothies. Walgreens will provide flu shots and will accept most insurance. CT Flyboard will showcase the latest in extreme water sports. Next Step Living will offer advice on home energy efficiency. EBMAS CT Kung Fu will demonstrate martial arts, and Shaklee Independent distributor Debbie Miron will feature health and nutritional products.

“The Expo provides a great opportunity for the community to learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle as well as how to address many health issues,” said Vicki Hoffman, director of Stamford Hospital’s orthopedic service line. “We hope that people take advantage of the health screenings as well as the knowledge of our sports wellness program experts, who will provide information about sports nutrition, motion analysis and concussion management.”

Those who bring nonperishable food to the expo will receive a free raffle ticket; tickets can also be purchased for $5.

The expo was created and is produced by TMK Sports & Entertainment L.L.C., an event marketing company based in Greenwich.