THE CANFIELD FAIR

Clinical Journal for the Canfield Fair

Michele Smith

Bitonte College of Human Health Services, Youngstown State University

NURS 3710 Nursing in the Community

Mr. Jim Hosack, MSN, MA, BSN, APRN

October 30, 2022

THE CANFIELD FAIR

The Medical Health Building has been a part of the Canfield Fair for over 50 years.

Inside the building one was able to find representatives from several area hospitals, Planned

Parenthood, Alzheimer’s Network, New Day Recovery, Down Syndrome Association of the

Valley, Easterseals, among many others, were able to provide information about their individual

organization and to answer questions about any health concerns an individual may have. The

Youngstown State University Nursing Program was on-hand for the duration of the fair to

conduct blood pressure screenings for the public. As care has been shifting from the acute care

setting, nurses are finding different strategies to help promote and maintain health, not just for

individuals but for the entire community as well.

Describe the community as a setting for all levels of health care delivery from clinical
community experience
The health fair is a great opportunity for community members to venture around the

building at their own pace, looking at all of the different health exhibits and information in a way

that is highly accessible and interactive to them. Different clinical groups from the YSU Nursing

Program, under the supervision of a nursing instructor, signed up for and were scheduled for

various shifts throughout the duration of the fair, and its exhibit was set up in a way for the

members of the public to sit with a nurse and have his/her blood pressure taken. The blood

pressure screening is an example of secondary prevention, as it is a tool typically used to identify

risks for diseases that have not yet developed, such as hypertension and risk for stroke, etc. The

purpose of the screening does not diagnose the presence of a disease, nor can it replace private

medical care.

I had the opportunity to perform blood pressure screenings on several individuals, and as

expected, I encountered a variety of readings. Some fell within the range of normal blood

pressures. The opportunity for tertiary prevention came during the encounters where the reading
THE CANFIELD FAIR

was above the normal limits, as I was able to ask questions about the individual’s diet, exercise,

and lifestyle habits. I subsequently offered suggestions on ways to help prevent or manage

hypertension. I also provided these individuals the pre-printed material outlining blood pressure

limits and hypertension, a primary prevention method. Ultimately, all levels of preventions were

able to be touched upon in just a few short minutes with every individual.

Applies educational theory, principles and strategies when teaching individuals, and
families at health fairs, health screenings and home care
Teaching and reinforcement was given to every individual after their blood pressure was

taken, and several individuals would inquire as to whether or not it fell within the normal

parameters. This was a very simple one-on-one interaction that provides a great amount of

information and insight in just a few minutes. As a result, the community member becomes more

informed and ultimately becomes more empowered for his/her own health. Participation in

screenings at local fairs is so effortless, but yet so important. One can hope that the mere simplicity

of the screening process can increase the number of people accessing other community resources

as well. Being a part of a health fair is a way to meet the community’s needs for the promotion of

one’s health, education, and prevention.

Reflection
All of the people I screened were very receptive to the advice I gave, with some agreeing

to follow-up with their physician when their blood pressure read above normal. Everyone was so

patient and understanding. I am hopeful that I have done just a very small part in helping

someone avoid the potential development of a health issue for those whose readings were high,

and in reinforcing personal habits for those whose readings were normal. Overall, ultimately, if I

have helped one person learn more about and become more proactive in their health, it was a

successful experience.