National Jewish Health to Host Vail Valley Family Health and Wellness Fair

National Jewish Health, the #1 respiratory hospital in the nation, will bring its expertise to the Vail Valley for a Family Health & Wellness Fair at Battle Mountain High School in Edwards, Saturday May 8, 10 am to 2 pm. The free event, presented by National Jewish Health, will feature health screenings, seminars and an appearance by skiing champion Jeff Olson.

"Families in the Vail Valley could benefit greatly from National Jewish Health expertise by attending this event," said Sandra B. Smyser, Ph.D., Superintendent of Eagle County Schools. "Nationwide, childhood respiratory issues, food allergies and asthma are very common, and this is a concern to many families."

National Jewish Health physicians and nurses will be on hand to answer health questions. Free health screenings will include: lung-function testing, blood-oxygen levels, blood-pressure checks, and cardiopulmonary testing. Instruction on asthma inhaler technique and epinephrine (EpiPen®) use will also be provided.

"This is a good opportunity for families in the Vail Valley to get advice and answers to their questions from nationally recognized experts in a relaxed informal setting," said Erwin Gelfand, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health.

National Jewish Health pediatric pulmonologist Marzena Krawiec, MD, will lead a free seminar titled, "Does My Child Have Asthma? What Should I Do About It?"

David Fleischer, MD, will be "Breaking Down the Myths of Food Allergy."

Cardiologist Kern Buckner, MD, and Jeff Olson, three-time National Downhill Ski Champion, will lead a seminar on enhancing athletic performance with advice for all ages. Olson will also be on hand to provide autographs and talk about the health challenges he's overcome to become a national champion.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with National Jewish on this event," said Chris Romer, Acting Director, Vail Valley Partnership. "This fair is a great example of the commitment of National Jewish Health to quality pediatric healthcare in the Vail Valley."

National Jewish Health physicians, as part of the NJ4Kids pediatric program, see pediatric allergy, immunology and pulmonary patients once a month at the Shaw Medical Center in Edwards. For more information on seeing a National Jewish Health physician in the Vail Valley, call 1-800-621-0505.