About 20 volunteers helped more than 80 people get chronic neck, shoulder, back and foot problems checked at an all-day Health for the Homeless event Saturday at the Union Gospel Mission’s men’s shelter in Pioneer Square.
Living in your shoes, sleeping on the street, a life on hard pavement leads to recurring health problems for the homeless.
Coupled with poor nutrition and limited health care, the issues may go unchecked and unresolved.
Chiropractor Kevin Nguyen organized more than 20 volunteers to donate their time for an all-day “Health for the Homeless” event at the Union Gospel Mission’s men’s shelter in Pioneer Square. Walk-ins, men and women were welcome.
More than 80 came Saturday to have chronic neck, shoulder, back and foot problems checked.
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Nguyen says these problems are “worse in the homeless community because of their circumstances. People are often carrying heavy bags and (are) on their feet more than the average, creating lots of stress on the body.”
He brought a team of providers to give physical therapy, acupuncture, massages, chiropractic treatments and naturopathic approaches for free. For many, comfort and human touch were welcome.
One man, who wished not to be named, said he was grateful and “overall, feeling good.”
Nguyen hopes to bring more of these sessions to women’s and youth centers.