High-school health fair takes healthy messages to students

Dietitians Josie Crew and Heather Schierer staffed an exhibit on risks of sugary drinks. (Messenger photo by Melissa Mudd)

More than 1,000 students participated in Meade County High School’s sixth annual health fair, which focused on issues specific to students’ health and wellness, Melissa Mudd reported for the Meade County Messenger in Brandenburg.

More than 20 booths were set up at the March 11 fair, featuring exhibits about such topics as alcohol and drug abuse, nutrition, breast cancer, dental and physical health, stress and distracted driving. Booths offered games and prizes. The fair was hosted by the Lincoln Trail District Health Department and various community organizations.

“The health fair originally started with an idea of doing something to promote health and wellness for students. We also wanted to come up with a fun way to engage students in learning the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, smoking, poor-decision making, et cetera,” Karen Cottrell, Meade County district health coordinator, told Mudd. “We are always very impressed with how engaged the students are in the various activities.”

Cottrell told Mudd that the students who were asked to complete a survey after the fair said they enjoyed coming to the fair and especially loved the games. Each reported learning at least one new health fact.