4th Annual MLS Health Fair

Another year, another awesome health fair!  Our students were treated to some awesome information and great exercise from our local health, fitness, and nutrition professionals.  The day was divided into two sessions, 3rd-5th grades in the morning and K-2nd in the afternoon.  Each session had ten sessions that lasted fifteen minutes each.  We had so much fun and had so many parent volunteers who were awesome to donate their time!  Here is a brief summary of each station:

CHIROPRACTOR-Dr. Brycen Hudock of True Health Chiropractic was gracious enough to donate his time and teach our students about the importance of preventive maintenance.  Dr. B taught students about the nervous system and how stress can affect many aspects of our life, including immune function, fatigue, healing, etc.  Hopefully our students will take all the information they learned at the MLS Health Fair and give our bodies the best chance to keep us healthy!

WHOLE FOODS-Becca Cook from Whole Foods brought in some healthy snacks that included carrots, hummus, and edamame.  The edamame was a hit as many people, including teachers, had never tried it!  Becca shared the importance of eating a diet that consists of whole foods that are free of artificial ingredients.  Making these choices will keep our immune systems stronger so we can fight off any germs that may come into contact with our bodies.

HEALTHY FOODS OBSTACLE-Angie Hasemann and Sarah Horton from the UVA Children's Fitness Clinic provided a fun activity for our K-2nd students in which they were provided choices for various meals.  Each choice had a consequence, as the healthy choices led to quicker completion of the obstacle course.  If students chose the unhealthy meal, the obstacle course was much more time consuming, thus reinforcing the importance of making healthy choices.

KARATE-MLS parent Richard Rike led our 3rd-5th grade students in an awesome and active bout of martial arts!  The kids had a blast learning about the discipline and even practiced striking some targets.  Once again, the martial arts station was one of the favorite activities of the day!

EAT YOUR GREENS!-Vicki King, Albemarle County CNP Nutrition Specialist, showed our student some delicious and healthy greens and shared how these vegetables are vital for making our bodies healthy.  Students were informed how these nutrient-dense foods help us grow and stay healthy and the students received a healthy snack as well!

LABEL READING-Kris Bonham, Registered Dietician from ACAC, shared valuable information with our 3rd-5th grade students on the importance of knowing what is in your food.  Reading labels can be tricky for kids and adults, so Kris shed some light on the subject.

DRUMS ALIVE FITNESS-Mr. Wymer and Mr. Williams became Drums Alive instructors for one day as all K-5 students had a BLAST with this awesome activity that combines music, rhythm, exercise, and playing the exercise balls like a set of drums.  The students had a great time and the instructors definitely received their workout for the day.

DENTISTS-MLS parents Dr. Fraites, Dr. Krese, Dr. Crowder, and Dr. Brooks helped reinforce the importance of dental hygiene with the students as they shared information on brushing and flossing techniques.  They also discussed snacks that were healthier dental choices.

DISABILITY AWARENESS-Students were engaged in activities that helped them appreciate what it is like to have a disability.  They wore special goggles that simulated various vision problems, learned sign language, and breathed through a straw after two minutes of intense exercise to help them experience what asthma feels like.  Many students commented on the effectiveness of these activities.




LICE FACT AND FICTION-Students were taught what lice are, how they are spread, and the fact that they are not a big deal and we should not tease others who may have it. 

Hopefully this will help other PE teachers if they wish to start their own Health Fair.  It was a great collaboration between the school nurse, guidance counselor, cafeteria manager, health professionals in our community, and the PE Dept.  Everything was planned to include different fitness disciplines, provide moderate to vigorous exercise, the healthiest of snacks (no dairy or artificial ingredients), and interesting/informative topics that will help our students be healthy and stay healthy!