Flushing Hosts First Community Health & Wellness Expo

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce organized our first Flushing Community Health & Wellness Expo on Sunday, May 19, at the Margaret I. Carman Green--Weeping Beech Park, located on Bowne Street and 37th Avenue in Flushing, Queens. The Chamber was selected by Partnership for Parks to participate in the Building Healthy Communities, an initiative sponsored by the Mayor's Office, the Fund for Public Health NYC, and Astoria Energy LLC to activate public parks and promote community health in Flushing.

"The Chamber is proud to have been selected by Partnership for Parks to organize the first Flushing Community Health & Wellness Expo. Our goal is to promote community wellness and also recognize the tremendous role of our health industry in the local economy," stated John Choe, Executive Director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce.

The Expo featured expert presentations, family-friendly activities and workshops as well health professionals available to provide free advice, screenings, and samples.

"As New York state's largest healthcare provider, Northwell Health is a proud supporter of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and the Flushing community," stated Emmelyn Kim, Assistant Vice President of Research Compliance at Northwell Health. "Northwell understands that true community impact means aligning with community partners to enhance the health and wellness of the communities we serve."

The Expo was organized by the Chamber in partnership with event sponsors Queens Endoscopy, Synexus, Fidelis Care, Main Street Radiology, La Jornada, and The Shops at Skyview; community partners Flushing House, Bowne House, and Kissena Synergy; and, members of the Chamber's Health & Wellness Committee, which includes representatives from the major hospitals, health clinics, insurance companies, and wellness professionals.

"The Flushing YMCA is excited to be partnering with the Chamber to organize our community's first Health and Wellness Expo," stated Tiffany Dunbar, Executive Director of the Flushing YMCA. "As an important part of the Flushing community, the Y strives to promote healthy living through exercise classes, wellness programming, swimming and personal training, and a belief that no one should be denied access to the life-changing effects of wellness. We are proud to promote our Summer Membership opportunities and fantastic summer camps. We hope that this Expo represents the first in a long-lasting tradition of bringing awareness to our amazing community."

The Expo showcased New York's most diverse and dynamic health and wellness community and featured free demonstrations, workshops, and screenings by hospitals, professionals, and companies specializing in health and wellness products and services.

"The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center is pleased to provide health screenings and fun activities to the community at the Flushing Community Health & Wellness Expo," stated Maggie Wong, Director of Marketing and Communications at Charles B. Wang Community Health Center.

Workshops included presentations on Garden Therapy, a Bowne House Tour & Colonial Herb Demonstration, Solar Energy, Chair Dance Workout, Circuit Exercise, Hatha Yoga, Stroke Prevention, and "You Are What You Digest: Beyond Superfoods" by Shweta Parmar, Ayurvedic Practitioner at Gutsier Living.

"Health and wellness affects our every word, thought and behavior. It's our duty to maintain a balance for a well community is a happy community and a happier self," stated Maureen Regan, Founder and President of Green Earth Urban Gardens Inc. "We are proud to continue our partnerships with the The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and NYC Parks Dept to promote wellness in Queens."

"Flushing House is a not-for-profit independent senior residence with supportive services in Flushing," stated Nancy Rojas, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Flushing House. "We are happy to partner with the Chamber to serve our senior community through this Health & Wellness Expo."

The main stage of the Expo at Carman Green featured music by DJ Al Rojas as well as performances by local groups, including the art of PiYo (that's Pilates and yoga) by Instructor Mariel from the Flushing YMCA, K-Pop Dance by Kolo NY, martial arts demonstrations by Master Michael Ro and the Ultimate Champions Taekwondo of Flushing, and a fencing demonstration by the Queens Fencing Club.

"A healthy community is a better and more vibrant community," stated Michael Yen, Head Coach of Queens Fencing Club. "As an integral part of our community, the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses, healthcare professionals and organizations for our inaugural Health & Wellness Expo to help Flushing residents get more information and services to improve their health. The Queens Fencing Club supports this ongoing effort to advance and maintain the health of our community."

This event was made possible through the generous support of Partnerships for Parks, a joint program of the City Parks Foundation and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.

Photos from the Expo are available via Google Photos.