Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Health Alliance plans for health fair

Childrens week in Nevada County was a success.

Prissy Traczewitz, speaking to the Prescott-Nevada County Health Alliance, said library day was successful, with the representative from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission complimenting the children on their behavior and inquisitiveness about the AG&FCs aquarium. Children also enjoyed story time at the library on Tuesday as well.

Wednesday saw children from throughout the county having fun at the Science Camp. This was held at the old Prescott High School gymnasium. The children visited eight different stations where they learned about things like the fur bearing animals in Arkansas, reptiles, and littering, along with the importance of drinking plenty of water every day.

From there they visited the PHS Future Farmers of America greenhouse where they were told about the different plants. Their day ended by learning about Stop, drop and roll with the traveling fire house. The children went into the house, went upstairs and all laid down on the bed when the smoke was added. They rolled out of bed, crawled to the door and escaped down a ladder, running to safety.

Thursday children participated in a trike-a-thon riding to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.

Friday culminated the events with a parade at the old gym. The parade included aerobics led by the Prescott Wolverette cheerleaders.

The PNCHA discussed the annual health fair, which will be renamed this year and be called Hometown Health Fair. The health fair will also be moved from the First Baptist Church gym to the Nevada County Fairgrounds where the Potlatch building, along with two other buildings will be used. The decision to move was made because of the crowded conditions at the gym, and the planned addition of demonstrations.

Some of the demonstrations include PEPPI exercises. PEPPI stands for Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence. Its target group is senior citizens with the message the better shape theyre in physically the more independent they can be.

Work is being done to try and get a martial artist to give a demonstration as well, along with trying to get coaches and/or athletes from PHS to show proper weightlifting techniques.

Student nurses, according to Edie Greenwood, will be asked to focus on healthy foods for their display, and it may be possible to get the fire safety house there as well.

Of course the familiar and favored screenings will still be available. People can come to the event and get their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked. They can also have their body mass index (BMI) tested. Men can have prostate tests done with a blood sample.

Booths will be on hand with information on living healthier. There will also be a booth for the Fourth Annual Nevada County Picayune Toy Drive. Visitors to the health fair can drop off new or used toys, if theyre in good shape, to help area children this Christmas.