Healthy resources fair open to public Saturday

SAN BENITO — Ed Downs Elementary will be hosting a community health fair this weekend.

After school coordinator Nelda Gonzalez wants to bring fitness to Ed Downs Elementary and make students, staff and families more health conscious.

This health fair is just one of the many ways she is working to make that happen.

“I’m trying to make it a fitness school,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez has worked in the school district for 30 years and has been working to promote a healthy lifestyle since 2003.

“It’s all about movement and motion,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez started her move for motion on campus with Zumba lessons that are held twice a week on campus for families.

Before moving to Ed Downs Elementary, Gonzalez worked at Angela Leal where she led the initiative to have a track installed, something that she hopes to get done at her current campus.

The health fair is another aspect of Gonzalez’s mission to help make Ed Downs Elementary a healthier campus.

More than 20 agencies will be available during the health fair to make parents aware of local resources.

“There are going to be lots of little things available for everyone,” Gonzalez said.

Nutritionists and different dental and vision agencies will be present as well as pharmacy representatives.

Community members will be able to receive free health screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure during the fair.

Gonzalez said in addition to the screenings, free massages and samples of Subway sandwiches will be given out.

The fair is open to the community and those wishing to attend do not need to have ties to the elementary.

“It’s for the community,” Gonzalez said. “I welcome everyone.”