Medical Center Promotes Health at Fair
On August 3, Comanche Nation Medical Center held a Health Fair at Watchetaker Hall.
Director of Comanche Nation Medical Center Kevin Wahkinney said the Health Fair planning began after Christmas, and several tribes participated.
“We have 13 other programs that are involved,” he said. “We have vendors from Memorial Hospital, from Southwestern who are out here. We just have a lot of different people coming in just to bring healthy awareness to the community.”
Wahkinney said the fair is important for everyone to help promote healthy lifestyles.
“Whether it pertains to the way you're exercising, what you're eating day in and day out, and just moving around your house, it's good for your family,” he said.
Wahkinney said they encourage portion-sizing meals.
“I know being Natives, we're used to sitting in big gatherings and eating big meals, but we just kind of want you to cut down your portion sizes,” he said. “We encourage you to get out and walk, whether it's just maybe 10 or 15 minutes in the morning, some walking in the afternoon, and maybe some in the evening time. And you don't realize how that affects your daily life by just getting out and moving around a little bit.”
Some of the ways he tries to be healthy are by cutting down on portion sizes and soda.
“It's been about a year. Well, it'll be a year in October, so I've kind of cut that back some. Just a little bit of that, a little bit more moving, walking around,” Wahkinney said. “We actually have a room in our building that's kind of designated for fitness. We have a treadmill, a rowing machine, and a little elliptical machine. So, whenever you have a chance, whether it's your lunch break or your break, we're able to step aside that room and maybe get 15 minutes in on walking on the treadmill.”
Wahkinney said he’s encouraged his staff to be more active and have healthier meals at work.
The event had a DJ, plenty of food, and a raffle.
Each booth had lots of information for attendees and items to give out, including car seats, Narcan and literature on healthy lifestyles.
Those interested in learning more can visit the Medical Center on 5th SW D Avenue in Lawton, Oklahoma.
