Volunteers, organizations put on health fair to Mills students

Lynn Kasma

Each spring New York Mills Public School and the Mills IMPACT Team sponsors a Health Fair and Screening for the sophomores and seniors at the high school. Students in those grades take home a permission slip for free blood work and everyone involved is educated on the importance of healthy cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and unhealthy cholesterol levels and what can be done to correct them.

A parent whose child has alarming readings in any of the categories is notified and suggestions on what to do and how often to monitor made.

In addition to blood work students were given information on, or screened for, bone density, BMI, nutrition, fitness levels, stress, vehicle safety, depression, tobacco, alcohol and blood pressure. Follow-up classes on many of these topics will continue through the end of the school year in Karen Johnson's health classes.

Of course, this event requires the participation of many volunteers and it's important to thank everyone for their help and donations. Door prizes and other items for the 2007 Health Fair were donated by: Kinetico Water Treatment Co., New York Mills Fitness Center, Perham Memorial Hospital, Subway, Seip Drug, Howie's Clothing, Design's by Tes, Mike Hepikes, Ottertail County Public Health, Dean's Country Market and the University of Minnesota Extension Office.

Volunteer organizations with a booth at the fair included, NYM Family Spine Clinic, the NYM Fire Department, Family Planning Clinic, University of Minnesota Extension Office, Merit Care Clinic, Perham Memorial Hospital, NYM Police Department, Dr. Rachael Grieger- Dentistry and Lake Country Coop. Volunteers not associated with a company but who gave lots of time and effort include Patty Cameron, Mary Rutten, Jan Parta, Lisa Klettke, Kim the student nurse and of course the organizers Jill Carlson, Scarlett Dittmann and Karen Johnson.

This annual event is a cooperative effort between I.S.D. #553 and the Mills IMPACT Team with funds provided through grants from West Central Initiative, the United Way and the Mills Lions Club.