The Pittsburg YMCA is offering a free health and wellness day for seniors.
The day of free activities shows YMCA members and guests the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices and gives them options. There are also medical tests being done on site at a discounted costs, which helps seniors citizens already on a tight budget.
Officials say it's a good idea for those looking to get tests done without putting a dent in your wallet.
Jimmy Mynatt is a member of Personal Actions Towards Health - P.A.T.H. - which hosts monthly health initiatives. Today, they hosted Senior Day.
"It's something to do, it's enjoyable and it's very educational," says Mynatt. "A lot of people maybe don't take care of themselves like they should and it kind of makes you think about it more, what condition you're in, your blood pressure, different things you take, bone density, there are so many."
Free fitness and medical tests are geared for those who are 55 and older. Affordable extra tests were also offered.
The Y has hosted the Senior Day for the past 22 years. Organizers say that the number of people that attend continues to increase, and so does the need for the event.
"A lot of people with the economy can't afford it and this way they get to see what is offered in the community," says Tanya Karhoff, Volunteer Coordinator for Southern Care Hospice. "Several of us offered free blood pressure checks as well as giving them good information".
YMCA Senior Program Director Peggy Kimmel says she agrees.
"The economy is really bad, but particularly with this segment of the population, they're on a very fixed income, if they do have insurance a lot of tests aren't covered by that so it's really important to offer as many options as we can for them at an affordable price," says Kimmel.
While Senior Day is over, Mynatt wants to advise others that with P.A.T.H. the need for health and wellness isn't.
"I advise anyone to check into it and perhaps they could join," says Mynatt.
The Senior Day event has already been scheduled for next year - Tuesday January 3, 2014.
If you'd like to join P.A.T.H. and attend their monthly meetings and activities call 620-231-1100.
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