KAYA (Korean American Youth Association)has recently helped with the Korean Community Health Fair that had been held at the YMCA in LaCanada, on Saturday 14 November 2015, from 2 in the afternoon till 5. This fair was hosted by Korean America Federationof North Los Angeles (KAFNLA) and The Service Group of Glendale SDA Church assure the health and well being of the Koreansin Northern Los Angeles. Many doctors and nurses and patients showed up. During this festival each member from KAYA had been assigned one doctor to assist. I personally had helped the maternity and family doctor.

It was interesting how just by listening to what problems patients were having the doctorscould help them automatically. Either by suggesting exercise, or certain types of food. Although most people had just come for the free flu vaccine shots, no matter how many patients the doctors had they would all put a lot of effort in. Even if it seemed as if the doctorsand nurses at the vaccine and acupuncture stand had more people to work with everyone worked hard and tried their best with whateverthey were put in charge of. I learned that lack of sleep and stress could cause pain throughout the body and could make you periodically feel as though your heart was beating faster. Alcohol and smoking are two of the ways many people let their stress go, yet it actually causes more stress due to all the damage that your body is going through. I am glad that I did not feel as though this was a “good deed” that I was wasting my time on, but instead it was a good way to spend my time. This is due to the fact that I had fun, learned new things, and was able to help my community. By being the assistant of doctors and nurses each and every KAYA member learned at least one thing that is sure to help us as teenagers who are becomingadults at a fast pace. All in all I wish that KAYA,KAFNLA and Glendale SDA Church will be able to help more Korean Americans and our community through more fairs and festivals.


<Eunice A. Kim>