Health Expo this Friday in Abbeville

The start of the new year is still months away, but this week is the perfect time to make a resolution to become heathier.
The Vermilion Parish School Board, Abbeville General and La Palmera Spa are teaming up to bring the Vermilion 4 Heart Health & Wellness Expo.
The free event will be held this Friday, Aug. 22, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Magdalen Square in downtown Abbeville.
“We hope that the expo will provide a fun way for families and the community to learn and engage in their health,” said Paula Jones, heath and wellness coordinator for Vermilion Parish Schools.
There will be plenty of ways to help make that happen.
“We have more than 20 different businesses and community members who are coming together to provide this for the community,” Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Jerome Puyau said. “It’s free of charge.”
There is one goal in mind.
“We are going to provide the resources on how to live healthy lifestyles,” Puyau said. “We want to help show people how to live heart healthy.”
That goal has been a mission, Puyau stressed.
“You actually have to make it happen,” Puyau said. “You can’t just talk it. We have pushed wellness and it’s an avenue to create a change.
“You address health and you can make a difference.”
Jones agreed.
“Improving the health and wellness of our employees and community at large is a high priority,” Jones said. “We understand that healthy employees and students are happier employees and students.
“With the prevalence of chronic diseases in our area, prevention and education is crucial.”
Nicky Stansbury, owner of La Palmera Spa, said Friday will be about meshing this area’s traditions with healthier habits.
“It’s important to keep our culture,” Stansbury said. “We are hoping to give our community tools and resources to do so in new and innovative ways.
“Fun, food and music with a twist of health.”