Diabetes-themed health fair draws crowds in downtown L.A.

A few thousand people were expected at a health fair Sunday at La Placita Olvera in downtown Los Angeles, where attendees were offered diabetes education and free medical screenings.

The American Diabetes Assn.'s annual "Feria de Salud" (or health fair), scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., was designed to raise awareness about the disease in the Latino community, organizers said.

Visitors could get their blood and glucose levels screened as well as flu shots and other preventive services. Cooking demonstrations and fitness workshops were also offered.

"It's all about heightened awareness and education," said Mary Hewitt, spokeswoman for the association.

The rain kept the turnout down early in the morning, but the crowd had picked up by midday, organizers said.

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Image: Michelle Leon, 4, right, and her sister Daniela, 7, second from right, talk with nurses from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health about flu vaccines during the American Diabetes Assn.'s 23rd Annual Feria de Salud at La Placita Olvera on Sunday. The free health fair offers flu shots and medical screenings. Credit: Christina House / For The Times