HERMISTON – People who received flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines Saturday in Hermiston were treated to free chair massages, body composition tests, hearing screenings and blood pressure checks at the Health Fair.

Chris Jones had a body composition test and was commended on her progress by Dorothy Loveland, a clinical dietitian at Good Shepherd Medical Center.

“It’s nice to see someone making steady progress,” Loveland said to Jones regarding her weight reduction and lower body fat.

Jones said when she was less concerned about her health she ate anything and everything, whenever she wanted.

She had a body composition test last year and then began attending the Coronary Health Improvement Program and Weight Watchers.

“It’s a lifestyle change – it’s not a diet,” Jones said. “Diet is a four-letter word.

Loveland said of the 25 people she performed the test on, only two were considered at a healthy weight. One person was considered underweight and the rest were either overweight or obese.

Loveland encouraged people to consult their physician before beginning a weight-management program.

Ruth Dean said she initially wasn’t interested in going to the Health Fair.

“When I heard there were massages, I was ready to go,” she said.

Dawn Tompkins, a licensed massage therapist, said massages can reduce headaches, stress and result in overall feeling better. “It also helps people get through the day,” Tompkins said.

She said she has a client who does heavy lifting at her job and pointed out such jobs cause strain on the back, shoulders and neck.

“Health-wise, massages can help you, because if you feel better you’re going to walk more or do exercise more,” Tompkins explained. “When you hurt, you don’t want to do anything.

Grace Scanlon, who volunteers for hospice, took advantage of the Health Fair to get her flu shot.

“I checked my blood pressure, had a massage and ate a little food,” she said. “And of course I visited with a bunch of people. I’m seeing a lot of people I know.” s

Raye Asbell told Ric Jones, who is board certified in hearing instrument sciences, she recently got hit in the ear during a minor car accident. She was concerned it may have caused some hearing loss.

Jones encouraged Asbell to follow-up for a more extensive examination after performing an initial hearing test at the Health Fair.

The Good Shepherd Medical Group sponsored the fair, which also included educational information on health issues, including recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedules, osteoporosis, tobacco use, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.