by Dr. Dee Lofton
Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sharay Thomas and Terrance Moore, founders of Top Priority Homemaker Services, see their company as an extension of a personal mission to serve those in need.

Last Saturday (June 23), Thomas and Moore were out to get health fair visitors to see what they see. The venue was The New Olivet Baptist Church, where the health fair was co-sponsored by the church's HealTHY Congregation Ministry Delta Medical Center.

Community events targeting health care information and free screenings shows are on the rise, proving that many Memphians are concerned about living healthy and understanding what it takes eat well. Like the other service providers at the HealTHY Congregation Ministry affair, Thomas and Moore relished the role they get to play in increasing health awareness. From bathing and dressing to meal preparation and home management, Top Priority offers in-home care services for people that need help with such daily living activities.

"We tell patients not to be afraid to seek information and services. The process may be tedious, but is necessary to help them qualify and receive the required care," said T/M. "We are here to help them navigate the process and put them at ease."

In addition to care-giving requirements and services, the health fair featured an abundance of health education on diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and depression. Participants were offered free blood pressure screenings, glucose testing, with teeth cleaning by Fireside Dental.

"If you challenge people to take preventive actions to protect their health, you can't just tell them, you have to show them how," said Lynn Doyle of Delta Medical Center.

Healthy eating advocate, George Harper II, implored health fair visitors to "commit to eating at home more, read labels carefully, and refrain from eating livestock," if you want to live a long, healthy life.

This week the focus nationally is on access to healthcare and the Supreme Court's pending decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Congressman Steve Cohen attended the heath fair and addressed the crowd about the importance of preventive measures.

"Access to healthcare keeps you alive, and then we can educate you and give you a job," said Cohen, noting that America was the only industrialized nation without a holistic plan for healthcare.

(Dr. Dee Lofton is a freelance writer and founder of The Doc Shop, a personal consulting services group focused on information requirements. For questions or contact send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)