Kids go 'around the world' at health fair
Local kids crawl through the France themed obstacle course at the Shoshone Medical Center Kids Health Fair on Sept. 21. Photo by CHANSE WATSON
Kellogg School District Superintendent Dr. Nancy Larsen speaks with a parent and child at the Kellogg School District booth.
Panhandle Health District environmental health specialist Val Wade talks to kids about the dangers of lead poisoning.
SMELTERVILLE — Silver Valley children had the unique opportunity this weekend to have fun and pick up some new winter threads while also learning about other countries around the world.
Roughly 250 kids attended the 9th annual Shoshone Medical Center Kids Health Fair on Sept. 21 and SMC patient and community services manager Andrea Garner said it was a great time for everyone involved.
“I really do think it went well. We try really hard to offer different things for the kids to learn,” she said.
Kids and parents were invited to visit a series of vendors that were set up around the running track at the SMC Health & Wellness Center outdoor park in Smelterville. Participating kids were given a stamp card at the start of their journey and would get a stamp at each booth they visited.
These vendor booths were operated by a variety of different local organizations that had their own important message to share. For example, the Panhandle Health District was present to provide information on lead poisoning and how to avoid it.
Each world nation-themed booth was assigned to a specific SMC department. These staff members sported unique attire and decorations that corresponded to a particular country.
Once kids received stamps from all the booths, they could take their completed card and enter to win some cool prizes like bikes or other toys.
On top of the fun around the track, organizers also held a free coat and hat giveaway. As with previous years, new and gently-used coats were available for children who are in need.
The coats are either purchased by SMC with donation funds or are donated directly. Many of the hats were made in the Silver Valley by local creators.
SMC Business Development Coordinator Shayleen Jerome estimates that almost just as many coats were given away as there were kids who attended.
The free event has always been tailored toward promoting healthcare and healthy choice for children. Last years them was veggie tales, stressing the importance of health eating.
As a whole, Jerome believes that everything went really smoothly and that SMC was happy to provide not only the coasts — but the fun as well.
“The kids seemed to be more engaged this year with the hands-on activities they (the vendors) brought.”
SMC is already looking forward to the 10th Kids Health Fair next year.