Crowds turn out for informative Senior Expo

Seniors were treated to a wealth of information at the Grand Ballroom at Dyker Beach Golf Course for the Senior Health & Financial Fitness Expo. The event, hosted on November 14 by The Brooklyn Spectator/Home Reporter,  gave people an opportunity for to learn about  everything from new products to health.

“It was a very good experience,” said attendee Mary Ann Castaldo. “This is the second time I’ve attended the expo. The last time I came for all the tests that they do. This time around, I came for the speakers.” Michael Costalos was also pleased with how his experience. “It was very nice. I learned a lot, especially about health insurance and Medicare.”

One of the exhibitors on hand was showing off a never before seen product called Quikiks Shoes. “It’s the first completely hands-free operable shoe that also provides great support,” said founder Steven Kaufman. “It allows people with issues to get in and out of their shoes without having to bend.” A free pair was raffled off towards the end of the event. The shoes will be available for purchase in March.

Other businesses in attendance included Ramps/Lifts for Better Living. CEO George Fehling — who is also a former King of Kings County — was on hand with plenty of photographs and video demonstrations at his booth. “We give back people’s quality of life and help them overcome their problems of denial,” he explained.

On the health side of the Expo, several doctors were in attendance such as chiropractor Vincent Adamo, who set up appointments with seniors as well as discussing how to fix posture. “We also specialize in natural health care. We teach people how to eat healthier, stop taking medications that could be killing them,” Adamo explained.

The New York State Public Service Commission, which ensures that consumers have access to electric, gas and steam at affordable rates, was also on hand. “We want to get the word out that we’re here,” said Laura Bruns, who represented the organization at the event. “If people owe a lot of money, we offer them a billing plan. If electricity is cut, which is not supposed to, we work to restore it for them.”

A light breakfast buffet was available to those who attended early. When the panel portion of the morning got underway, dozens of additional seats had to be added to the room due to the large turnout.

Keynote speaker for the event was Francesco Ciccone, program director of New York RX Card. “We are the free state-wide prescription discount card that’s open to anybody regardless of age,” explained Ciccone.  “With Part D, it will discount prescriptions not covered on your plan. Our program has been around for two and a half years. Since that time we have saved New York with over $62 million in prescriptions.

The company has also been highly touted by high profile television personalities, said Ciccone. “Dr. Oz doesn’t endorse anything. But he endorsed our program,” he noted.

Towards the conclusion of the Expo, several raffles took place. Only those who had visited every booth were eligible to participate. Some of the prizes included gift certificates to Three Guys from Brooklyn and a flat screen Samsung television.

This paper’s Co-Publisher Victoria Schneps was happy to spread the message. ”Most of all, as weekly publishers in newspapers, we love to educate our community.”

Sponsors for the event included Sponsors include New York Rx Card, Ronald Fatoullah and Associates, Aetna and Bayada Home Health Care.