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CKMC offers sixth graders health information
new slt CKMC sixth grade health
Carla Herl, CKMC laboratory director, discusses the human brain, tonsils, and a healthy kidney and cancerous kidney at last years Sixth Grade Health Smarts. This years is set for Wednesday and Thursday.

 

 

 

Special to the Tribune

 

Great Bend sixth graders will have the chance to see and learn about a human brain, x-rays, and a healthy lung and a smoker’s lung when they participate in the fifth annual "Sixth Grade Health Smarts" at Central Kansas Medical Center.

The popular event is set for Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 10 and 11, when the students will have access to information about a wide variety of health-related topics.

"The information about the brain, lungs and x-rays will be highlights," said Stacy Hefley, CKMC marketing and merchandising coordinator. "But that is certainly not all we have on the agenda. CKMC will provide handy tips on a whole host of topics."

These include alcohol and drug abuse, body image and fitness, healthy food and beverage choices, communication and listening skills, hygiene and safety.

"Sixth graders are just the right age group for this health fair," Hefley commented. "They are curious about all these topics. At this age they may be encountering peer pressure to make unhealthy choices and we want to share good, valuable information."

In addition, Hefley noted, some students might be interested in the healthcare field and this event could have an impact on them in the future. For example, when students view x-rays, they will be asked to try to locate a fracture or the site of a surgically implanted pin.

"This type of education has an impact on the youngsters," Hefley said. "We have learned that they are impressed by it and retain the information.

"All of us at CKMC realize the value of this annual event for the students," Hefley added. "We have had great feedback over the years from parents and teachers too. It is something all of us enjoy and can learn from."

Sixth graders from Riley, Central Kansas Christian Academy and Holy Family are scheduled for the Wednesday session. On Thursday, Jefferson, Eisenhower, Park and Lincoln schools will participate.

The students should arrive in CKMC’s main lobby at 12:15 p.m. and will depart about 2:30 p.m. Teachers and teachers’ aides are encouraged to attend too.

Approximately 270 students are expected and each will receive a few handouts and a bottle of water.