Getting Behind the Heart and Soul of Good Health

GSDM student volunteers and Assistant Dean for Community Partnerships & Extramural Affairs Dr. Michelle Henshaw headed to the Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury on April 2. They were part of a series of volunteers that were offering free health screenings, including oral health screenings for people of all ages; exercise including yoga, tai chi, and meditation; healthy food tasting and cooking demonstrations; and fun activities for children.

The health fair was put on by Cherishing Our Hearts and Souls (COHS), a community coalition that promotes the heart and soul of good health.  

“The health fair focused on wellness across the lifespan,” said Dr. Henshaw. “In addition to health screenings, some of the highlighted offerings were yoga demonstrations, vegan food samples, and nutritional Twister. The numerous children, adults, and elders who came to our table benefited greatly from the oral health education and dental screenings that the GSDM students provided.”

Student volunteers included Mathew Annese DMD 12, Dhara Shah DMD 13, Fransheska Ovalles DMD 13, Jun Hwang DMD 12, Grant Murray DMD 14, Sybil Padavathil DMD 12, Zara Nensey DMD 14, Pankau Singhvi DMD 11, and Lindzy Goodman DMD 14.