July 01, 2003

Genesis Adds Healthy Spin To Bix Festivities

Genesis Health System Hosts 2003 Health & Fitness Expo

Davenport, IA - Whether you are a health-conscious competitor readying for the Quad-City Times Bix 7 Road Race or a wannabe athlete who prefers to sample the spectacle from the sidelines, this year's Genesis Health & Fitness Expo has something for you.

For the third year, Genesis Health System will put a healthy spin on the annual Bix festivities as the Expo's title sponsor.  The Genesis Health & Fitness Expo is July 24 and 25, at the Davenport RiverCenter Expo Hall, 136 East 3rd Street. The show is free and open to the public on Thursday, July 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Genesis Health System exhibit will showcase the latest health and fitness trends including:

Fun Fitness for Kids

Children ages 2-12 will put their flexibility, strength, and balance to the ultimate challenge. Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and Children's Therapy and Wellness Center will test each child in terms of normal developmental milestones for these skills. Some of the trials include standing on one leg and various reaching activities. Scorecards with the results will be given to each participant.

How Strong Are Your Bones?

The Genesis Regional Cancer Center will be conducting free bone density screenings. More than 20 million American women suffer from osteoporosis, a medical condition in which bones are thinned and weakened. Early detection is the key to implementing a treatment plan that can greatly reduce the effects of osteoporosis. Bone density screening is the favored technique, and important in the diagnosis the disease. Bone density testing measures the amount of mineral in the bone and compares your bone density to what is expected of someone your age, sex and size. It also compares your bone density to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same size. Normal x-rays cannot measure the density of bone.

Bicycle Safety

Riding without a bicycle helmet significantly increases the risk of sustaining a head injury in the event of a crash. Non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders. Children under age 10 are at greater risk for serious injury and are more likely to suffer head injuries than older riders. Quad Cities Safe Communities and SAFE KIDS Coalitions will be on hand to promote bicycle safety and have additional information about keeping your family safe this summer. Bicycle helmets are available to purchase at $5 each. Families will also be able to visit with Buckle Bear and the Crash Test Dummies Vince and Larry.

Body Fat Analysis

Members of the Genesis Heart Team will provide free body fat analysis.  Participants wanting to take the test are encouraged take the following step to ensure accurate results:

• Avoid alcohol 48 hours before the test.
• Avoid intense exercise 12 hours before the test.
• Avoid eating or drinking (especially products with caffeine) 4 hours before the test.
• Empty bladder 30 minutes before test.
• Avoid all diuretics for seven days before test (unless prescribed by our physician).

The Iowa Quad Cities: A Child's View

Viewing the Quad Cities through the eyes of a child is now a little easier. Genesis Health Services Foundation recently held a contest, encouraging area children to draw their favorite landmark. The winning drawings have been turned into a charming print that will be on sale during the Health & Fitness Expo. Proceeds benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation's Tuition Assistance Program for Genesis nurses.

In addition to sponsoring the Genesis Health & Fitness Expo, Genesis Health System is honored to be the Official Bix Volunteer Sponsor for the more than 5,000 volunteers who give their time to make the Bix 7 a premier event. "Every year in an amazing display of unity, these volunteers perform the multitude of tasks needed to make this world-class race a success," says Leo Bressanelli, President and CEO of Genesis Health System.

Genesis Medical Center is also providing emergency medical services on race day. A medical tent will be staff and equipped to handle a large number of participants in need of medical assistance during the race. Nurses and physicians will also be on standby in the emergency departments at both Genesis Medical Center's East and West campuses.