At Eagles' training camp, one of the top priorities for the players is getting their bodies in shape for the grind of a grueling NFL season. With the heat and humidity at camp, the players' health and safety is always a major concern. Well, in addition to seeing Eagles players tune up for pre-season games that begin next week, Eagles fans attending camp Saturday also got some important information about their health during the inaugural Health and Safety Day, presented by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
The event included activities for the whole family and gave fans the opportunity to learn more about the importance of health and safety, as well as interact with local law enforcement officials and healthcare providers. Fans visited a variety of interactive booths at the event promoting good health, such as Rite Aid administering blood pressure screenings and Jefferson University Hospital providing information on prostate cancer and other important health concerns. Photo Gallery : 2009 Health & Safety Day At Training Camp
Local and state law enforcement officials from the Pennsylvania State Police and Bethlehem Police and Fire departments displayed armored vehicles, motorcycle units, mounted horses and firefighting uniforms. In addition, families were able to receive free child-safety finger printing and other safety literature.
Jen Murphy, a fan who attended the event with her family said, "Our kids might have heard some safety tips in the past but this event was a fun and great reminder for them."
With face painting, balloon animal art, massages and inflatable games all a part of the fun, everyone in the family enjoyed the activities.
Teva Pharmaceuticals, the sponsor of the event, was able to educate fans about their products that help people who suffer from asthma.
"This gave us the opportunity to speak with people who experience severe asthma. It was great to hear how our products have impacted their lives and to be able to give them even more helpful information," John Remington, Associate Product Manager of Teva Pharmaceuticals, said of the first annual event. "We will definitely be back next year."
In addition to the excitement of Health and Safety Day, the American Red Cross made a big impact on the Lehigh Valley community as well by sponsoring a blood drive at training camp.
"The blood supply is at its lowest in the summer, so this was a wonderful opportunity for the American Red Cross and the Eagles to both do something for the community," said Robert Kessler, Director of Donor Recruitment for the American Red Cross.
One blood donation can save the lives of three others. With more than 1,300 people donating blood Saturday morning, Eagles fans certainly contributed to a crucial need.
The fans who donated were rewarded for their contribution, as each donor received a complimentary gift bag that included an Eagles ski hat, a water bottle and a 2009-10 Philadelphia Eagles Yearbook. Twenty-five lucky donors even received sideline passes for the morning's practice. To top off the donation benefits, six donors who pre-registered for the blood drive will be randomly chosen to win a pair of tickets to an Eagles home game.
Eagles fan Jen Murphy summed up the day by saying, "There was so much excitement about the Eagles, plenty of activities for my family and it was a beautiful day in Bethlehem. What could be better?" Photo Gallery : 2nd Annual Eagles Training Camp Blood Drive
