Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 17/98) - The Baker Centre was a buzzing hub of activity Friday afternoon.

Both RCMP and the Yellowknife fire department were called to the premises. Upon arrival, they joined forces with the likes of Canadian Mental Health, the Canadian Institute for the Blind, the Diabetes Education Program and others to participate in the centre's second annual health fair.

Seniors, their families and those caring for seniors came out to the one-stop-info-shop, co-sponsored by the Yellowknife Seniors Society and the fire department.

Deputy fire chief Mike Lowing was on the scene to display various safety devices, including the fire department's newest addition, the senior's emergency alerting system.

"It's as easy as pushing a button," says Lowing. In emergencies, seniors can activate a remote device worn around their necks. Once the button is pushed, it alerts the fire department and hospital via telephone.

Barb Bond, executive director for the NWT Seniors Society, was also available to answer questions regarding the seniors help line.

Bond, who works the phone line five days a week, says calls have been on the rise since its connection in 1995. With one phone call, seniors can receive information on housing, pension checks and health care.

Service is currently limited to English, but Bond sees an advantage in that. Community members are made aware of their elders' needs when they provide translation, says Bond. "It's in the community where the action takes place,"

In addition to a wide selection of brochures and pamphlets, senior citizens also had the opportunity to have their blood pressure taken and cholesterol level tested.

Lunch with a Bunch supplied a healthy meal of sandwiches and vegetables. The volunteer seniors group serves an average of 70 at the Baker Centre every Friday.