Lady Jean Leake Brings Healthy Living to Martin Temple

Lady Jean McMurry Leake recently joined other first ladies throughout Chicago in conducting health fairs for the community. The event was sponsored by Walgreens and the Danielle Ashley Group of Chicago. Participating health care providers included Walgreens, Oak Street Health, the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry, Lionel Duncan, Bright Pink, Cook County Health Systems Family and Friends Clinic, Mind Plus Touch and Next Level Health. Martin Temple’s Health and Wellness Ministry and Lady Jean planned the event in collaboration with the health care providers.

On the spot testing was conducted for blood glucose levels, blood pressure, HIV and Hepatitis C. Free flu shots were also given. CPR demonstrations were available and members were coached as they tested and perfected their resuscitation skills. One vendor brought a display of diabetic shoes and gave information on how to obtain those shoes at no cost.

Providers also disseminated information on insurance options, the importance of breast cancer checks and mammograms and other helpful information.

Martin Temple’s Roslyn Sims and business partner Lemont Cheatem maintained a steady line of people who experienced therapeutic and relaxing massages.

This was a Zion event, so yes, there was food, but there was no fried chicken aroma coming from Fellowship Hall. Instead, the old favorite was replaced with a variety of salads, including broccoli, steamed kale, seafood, fruit, chicken and tossed salad - all heathy, tasty and satisfying.

Twins Erika and Monika Simmons introduced the group to healthy juicing with delicious natural blends.

The University of Illinois School of Dentistry distributed free toothbrushes and showed children the correct way to brush their teeth. The toothy model they brought along to demonstrate got more than its share of interactive participation as the children diligently practiced brushing the huge teeth.

Then came Zumba dancing, and Lady Jean led the way on the dance floor. Children danced, vendors danced, young and old danced. An older woman put down her walker and danced. Everybody danced. However, they looked and looked but could not find any sign of Pastor Leake on the dance floor.

Lady Leake put the whole event in perspective as she quoted 1Corinthians 6:19-20.“ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

She continued: “The opportunity to open the doors of The Temple for our community to come in and experience these free screenings for our temples was life changing. And because we believe in the power of prayer, our Prayer Ministry, led by Dr. Maureen Jones, was on hand to offer prayers for health and wellness. This eye-opening event paved the way for us all to practice ways to prolong a healthy life. Special thanks to Martin Temple’s outstanding two ambassadors- Janetta Mills and Dr. Barbara Gordon (Chicago District’s Health Coordinator), and Dr. Sandra Gadson (Martin Temple’s Health and Wellness coordinator) for their hard work, leadership and support. Also, special thanks go out to Wickey Hobson Watts, Patricia Adams Moore, Bernice Harris, Derrick Smith, and all the others who made this event a success.”