Massages, hula hoop contests and more at West County Health Fair

Free event showcases services available to area

By PAULA BARR
Daily Journal Staff Writer

While the kids are challenging themselves in dance, Limbo and hula hoop contests, Mom and Dad can enjoy a head, neck and shoulder massage.

Those are just some of the events in the West County Health Fair on Thursday evening at the elementary school. The fair is free and open to the public.

“We hope to attract as many people as possible,” said Lisa Puller, who is organizing the event through the elementary school’s PTC (parent teacher committee) and the district’s 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.

The health fair, which runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m., is designed to let people know what services are available in the area.

“In our community, we have a lot of free and reduced lunches,” said Fuller, a reading coach at West County Elementary School. “I don’t think they are aware of all the resources out there. We want to bridge that gap.”

More than 30 local agencies will have booths and provide information on a variety of health topics. Activities include blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen, hearing and grip testing. There is a body composition test for fitness and screening for blood sugar.

Participants can listen to talks on fire safety, watch a martial arts self-defense demonstration and learn about free screenings for cancer and dental health. The St. Francois County canine unit will do fingerprinting of children for their parents and a police dog will be on site.

There will be information about early intervention for infants and toddlers, juvenile diabetes, nutrition, prevention and wellness; substance abuse and mental health.

Area agencies will provide additional health and safety information. West County high school students will address the topic of smoking and elementary stunts will focus on health in skits and demonstrations.

The St. Francois County Ambulance District will check car seats. Fire equipment and the Air-Evac helicopter will be on site as long as they have no calls. There will be free refreshments.

Puller hopes the health fair will become an annual event. It is one of several monthly family events planned this year as part of the 21st Century grant.

For more information, Puller can be reached at the elementary school extension at 573-562-7558.

Paula Barr is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 172 or at pbarr@dailyjournalonline.com.

 

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