Published: June 26, 2008 02:45 pm            

New Market learns about health

SOPHIA — Randolph County EMS made over 15,000 calls last year with seven ambulances. Fifth-graders at New Market Elementary School learned this from listening to James Gray, senior medical officer with Randolph County EMS recently at a Health Fair sponsored by Communities In Schools of Randolph County. Gray answered many of their questions including how fast the ambulance can go (about 98 mph top speed.) “It’s fun! I like the ambulance,” said Jacob Hoskins.

Seven interactive stations were set up in the gymnasium manned by community volunteers. The students rotated at 15-minute intervals to learn more about health topics.

Caitlyn Kivett stated her favorite activity was putting on the alcohol goggles. “You can get seriously hurt if you are drunk and you drive.”

Caitlyn got this important message from Randy Howard from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. Howard brought goggles that simulated what it’s like to be alcohol impaired. Jessica Rebolledo stated, “Wearing the goggles teaches what could happen if you drink and drive.”

“I like the dance station because it helps you exercise and teaches you how to eat healthy,” said Daisey Herrera about the Nutrition Station hosted by Randolph County Schools Child Nutrition employees Kari Lamb and Kelly Bryant.

Randolph County School nurse Laurie Fields brought lungs that were black and showed the students the negative effects of smoking.

The students were able to put on gloves and touch the diseased lungs if they wanted. Fields also had information for the students to take home on the dangers of smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco.

Just after the nurses’ station the students had a height and weight check by their Guidance Counselor Dina Fletcher and teacher assistant Melisa Simmons. They also watched a short video on health and nutrition.

Joe Jackson, an exercise physiologist in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of Randolph Hospital, brought a model of the heart to teach about how the heart works and how exercise keeps your heart healthy.

Gwen Taylor, of CISRC, set up a hand washing station. Students shook hands with Taylor to see how “fake germs” could be easily transferred. Students could see the germs on their hands by means of a black light. Then Taylor taught students the proper technique for hand washing. Students discussed when they should wash their hands and how to prevent the spread of germs.

Shelley Kirby, CIS Randleman area coordinator, organized the event.

Communities In Schools of Randolph County is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help young people stay in school, successfully learn and prepare for life. Its cornerstone is one-on-one mentoring and the organization is always in need of volunteers.

For more information, contact Executive Director Sandi Norman at (336) 434-0008 or visit the Web site at www.cisnet.org/cisrandolph.

        

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