Talk-show host Betty-Ann Blaine (second right) is in stitches while talking to Ian Lyn (left), sales/marketing manager at Motor Sales. Others in photo are (from left) Post and Telecommunications Department Welfare Officer Marcia McDonald, Public Relations Assistant Anna-Kay McKenzie and technical engineer Jermaine King. - Contributed

The Post and Telecommunications Department's health fair was held at the Central Sorting Office in Kingston last Thursday, November 29.

Tremendous emphasis was given to 'health' issues, but notwithstanding this focus, there were a few 'distractions' given the diverse range of activities and excellent product offerings.

Testing was available for eyes, HIV, diabetes, cholesterol and other diagnostic tests, as well as medical screening and referrals - all FREE, thanks to title sponsor Blue Cross. The energy from the community was definitely in place as many persons from Norman Road and surrounding areas came to benefit from the opportunities for free medical check-ups and enjoyed the live outside broadcast on Nationwide Radio and entertainment.

Heralding the opening of the entertainment segment was the Eagles Drum Corps, which dazzled onlookers with a marching display and music. The entertainment highlight was this year's 'Comedy Buss' finalists who 'pumped up' the laughter with MC Rohan Gunter, the 2006 'Comedy Buss' winner, himself a comic - or rather - comedian - ensuring that all present knew that his talent was neither 'buck-up' nor diminished.

Listeners' participation

Betty-Ann Blaine, the vivacious talk-show host on Nationwide News Network, made sure to place each display booth 'on the map' by moving through all booths, conducting live interviews with sponsors' representatives as well as spectators. She engaged listeners by getting the participants to share their knowledge and views regarding the items on display.

Surely, she couldn't resist the offer to sit in the 'spanking new' 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander - a new design - which was unveiled at the recent motor dealers show and exhibited for the second time at the health fair. The Mitsubishi fleet's sleek lines and eye-catching interiors were a major 'distraction' (or attraction, you decide).

Note must be made of the event's worthy cause: promoting healthy lifestyles with the slogan 'Positive Practice for our Children', and the mix of disease prevention information and health products provided by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life in association with Blue Cross of Jamaica.