It was a morning of health, fun and learning at the Friday, April 15 Health and Financial Fitness Expo held at Dyker Beach Golf Course, as seniors from all over Brooklyn had the opportunity to learn about important services available to them.
Featuring a multitude of physicians, medical centers, pharmacies and insurance representatives, the expo provided attendees with the opportunity to hear firsthand from professionals serving the neighborhood in a variety of fields.
“It’s good to know what health care options are available,” said Dr. Gregory A. Crooke, a cardiothoracic surgeon with Maimonides Medical Center and the event’s keynote speaker. “It’s getting harder and harder for anyone to advocate for their own healthcare concerns so anytime people get out there to talk about diseases or options for treatment of conditions, they’re better off.”
Representatives from some of the day’s exhibitors, like physical therapy offices and hearing centers, concurred.
“We are so proud to be here today at the Senior Health Expo in Dyker Heights,” said Doctor of Audiology Jennifer F. Srour, representing Liberty Hearing Centers. “We value hearing. That is our message. That is our brand. We value hearing everywhere, anywhere and at any age. We’re here to support Brooklyn, especially our seniors, and we want to send that message to everyone.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity to reach out to the community and let the residents of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights know that there are individuals out there that do provide quality care, which then leads to a better quality of life,” added Dr. Marcello Sarrica of Sarrica Physical Therapy. “I just want to let them know that there is a physical therapy that does care. We do one-on-one treatments for 45 minutes, we don’t double book and there’s no wait time. At Sarrica Physical Therapy, quality over quantity is our motto.”
Other attendees were excited to get their name and business out into the community. Demetri Lymberatos, owner of Brooklyn Apothecary – an independent pharmacy on Third Avenue — wants his customers to have a more personal experience.
“Expos like this are important for me to network with the community so they know that independent pharmacies establish a personal relationship better than the chain pharmacies,” he said. “It’s important for me to get my name out there because the independent pharmacies are a struggling business as it is.”
In addition to the exhibitors, the event also featured free screenings, a panel discussion and tons of raffle prizes.
Alongside Crooke, the afternoon’s speakers included John Diaz-Chermack, assistant administrator of Hospice of New York; Dr. Basil Al Haddad, cardiologist with RJ Medical & Urgent Care; Michelle Francis, manager of business development for AgeWell; Ashley Marcus, doctor of audiology with Hear USA; Sherrie Footman, mortgage loan officer with US Mortgage and Karen Taylor, NY Metro Medicare sales executive with Aetna Insurance.
“This event is an excellent opportunity for seniors in the area to learn about the services that are available to them,” said Taylor.” And, it’s always great to be here because I get to see some of my members as well as people that are interested in Aetna.”
The event was presented by the Home Reporter and Brooklyn Spectator and was sponsored by Maimonides Medical Center, RJ Medical & Urgent Care and Aetna.
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