Photo: Derek Carroll

The Freeport News - Hoping to place more emphasis on the health of the whole man, The Christ The King Anglican Church Parish educated its members on the importance of holistic healthcare during a fair held on the church's grounds over the weekend.

Under the theme "Coming Together for the Health of It," scores of church-goers and other residents converged at the Foster B. Pestaina Centre on Sunday for the affair.

The health fair is the second congregational event held this year, this one aimed at informing the congregation about the various issues, and concerns pertaining to their spiritual, physical and mental well-being.

Photo: Derek Carroll

"It's very important because there are so many health concerns said co-coordinator Ellen Major.

"And the aim of this program is to prevent a lot of these chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension stroke and kidney diseases which are all preventable diseases."

The holistic wellness fair is part of the church's four-year community building program which will culminate in 2012 and coincide with the church's 50th anniversary.

The initiative dubbed the Building Community Program was started in February of this year and is geared at fostering a sense of community within the church membership and wider Grand Bahama community.

Photo: Derek Carroll

More than 30 presenters prepared booths for the event which included exhibits on Female Health, AIDS Awareness, Mental Health, Cardiology, Financial Planning, and Spiritual Development.

"The Majority of the presenters are members of our parish," Major explained.

"The fair was designed to identify and use the individuals from within the church with unique talents, from various professions to impart their knowledge and address the concerns of the congregation."

Photo: Derek Carroll

One of the major concerns, according to church officials, was the need to ensure that all their members were leading "balanced lives."

Ellen Romer, Christian Formation Officer at the church, touted the importance of leading a balanced life, noting that so many individuals often focus solely on taking care of their immediate financial needs and neglect play, hobbies, health and spirituality because they become consumed with meeting their basic needs.

"I think this fair allows people to see that once we concentrate on the spiritual, then there are other things we can do to make our lives balanced," Romer said.

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Photo: Derek Carroll