ARLETA : Asian American Health Fair Planned

Free health screenings and cultural performances will be featured at a health fair sponsored by a local Asian American group on Nov. 5.

The Asian Pacific Islanders Council of the San Fernando Valley will hold its third annual Asian Pacific Family Health and Cultural Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford St., Arleta.

“We want to inform the Asian community about health issues because we believe there isn’t enough information available to them,” said Susan Shin, who is helping to coordinate the event for the council.

“The San Fernando Valley is composed of such a diverse community of Asian groups. This is sort of a centralized event that will bring the community out to one location, where they can learn about different social service providers. Another thing is that low-income families can get free screenings.” Those who come to the fair can be tested for high blood pressure and vision problems, receive immunizations and dental care, and be examined by a podiatrist.

Children’s activities will include a puppet show and face painting. Cultural presentations will include Vietnamese singers, Lok Tong exercise, Thai vegetable carving and traditional dances.

According to organizers, 200 people attended the first health fair and 500 attended last year.

The council is a coalition of community organizations, social service providers and individuals formed for the purpose of promoting the social and cultural interests of the Valley Asian Pacific Islander Community. According to the group, more than 100,000 Asian and Pacific Islanders live in the Valley.

Event sponsors include the United Way, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross, American Red Cross, the Japanese American Community Center and the Cal State Northridge Asian American Studies Department.