A couple of lessons before school starts
Aug. 16—MOUNTAIN TOP — The Lehigh Valley Health Network hosted a free back-to-school health fair Wednesday to help educate families on staying safe and healthy this upcoming school year.
The fair was held in the grassy lot next to the network's health center in Mountain Top and boasted about a dozen interactive tables that offered fun and educational ways to learn about everything from heart health, fire safety, fitness, sports medicine and more.
LVHN, which is comprised of 13 hospitals as well as numerous physical practices and ExpressCARE sites across NEPA, hadn't held the fair since 2018 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that restrictions have eased, Communications and Community Engagement Manager Lisa Marie Halecky said that it was finally time to bring the event back.
"We want to let the community know that we're here for them," she said.
Halecky continued, "We're always proactive. We want people to get screenings, children to get vaccinated — the whole nine yards."
Upon entering the fair, kids were given a map labeling each booth, with the goal of visiting all of them. Once the map was complete, kids were able to pick up their complimentary draw string bag and were entered for a chance to win four tickets to an upcoming Rail Riders game.
At each booth, attendees were able to meet the clinicians who work in different departments throughout the network, from cardiology to pediatrics.
At the fitness fun table, energy drinks such as Red Bull and Gatorade were on display along with a package of sugar to show kids just how much is really in each drink.
Clinicians with the cardiology unit offered face painting and at the concussion management table, where kids were taught the importance of wearing a helmet to protect their head while riding a bike, kids were offered popcorn and a chance to try their hand at the Hula Hoop.
State Troopers were also present, along with members of the Mountain Top fire department.
Adding to the fun, staff members took turns getting soaked in the dunk tank and there was plenty of free pizza and hot dogs to go around.
Lead Radiology Technician Colleen Nelson spent her time showing kids what's underneath their skin, pointing out the body's different bones on a life size skeleton.
"This is the perfect environment for kids to ask questions," said Nelson.
Pathway to Recovery, an organization based out of Hazleton that offers the community and school districts educational and counseling services on mental health and addiction, also had a booth at the fair.
The organization's table was covered with various pamphlets to educate families on the effects of smoking and vaping as well as information on medical marijuana.
"It's very educational," said Yomaira Esteves, a pediatric nurse at LHVN, who attended the event with her 6-year-old daughter, Hope.
Hope, who was very invested in a game of cornhole, had just gotten her face painted and got to learn about the effects of smoking on the lungs, which Esteves said was amazing.
"I love the activities," she said. "Everyone is super nice and super friendly."
