TEXAS CITY — Employees of the Galveston County Health District, Galveston County and city employees from any municipality in Galveston County had a chance to check up on their health and learn new ways of living a healthy lifestyle Wednesday during the health district’s annual Health Fair at the Nessler Center.

More than 40 vendors displaying information on everything from breasts cancer to pet therapy were on hand in the Wings of Heritage Room and the Captain’s Room at the center.

Patricia McIntosh, an epidemiologist with the Galveston County Health District and co-chairman of the annual event, was encouraged by the new vendors and the performers that were featured.

“We encourage fitness and alternative ways of being active,” said McIntosh after learning the fine art of belly dancing from performers with the Sirrom School of Dance. “It’s a great physical activity, not what you think of when you think of an active lifestyle.”

“It’s really simple and can be achieved by anyone,” said Michelle Kitzman, an instructor at the dance school. “We have dancers in their 60’s and 70’s that have been doing it for 30 or 40 years.

“It seems to keep you young. Their are a lot of health benefits to belly dancing due to the low impact on joints.”

Employees lined up to get a massage from Rená Pillow, a massage therapist with Urban Fitness. They were also able to have their blood pressure checked and cholesterol levels screened during the event.