Health Fair Comes to Lynbrook North Middle School

Health and wellness was on the agenda Thursday afternoon at Students were given a break from their normal schedule to attend the Health Fair in the school’s gymnasium, as seven presenters spoke about healthy topics, ranging from good eating habits to exercise. 

“What we’ve tried to do is impart some information about health. We’re doing it from the perspective of balancing both nutrition and fitness," health teacher Karen Gordon said. "Many of the presenters we have here are going to promote that.”

Nutritionists from the South Nassau Communities Hospital spoke about smart dietary choices and the impact of junk food on overall health. 

“We’re trying to pull them away from choices like Cheetos and guide them towards milk, vegetables, and fruit,” dietitian Susanne Looney said. “We’re trying to give them a different thought process when they have food. We’re trying to give them enough literature so that they can take it home and show their parents, and maybe their parents can help them along the way.”         

Health teacher Debbie DeBetta gave a presentation on a health education iPad app that students can access at home or in the school’s library. 

“With the app, they’re accessing a program called Sara Bellum,” Gordon said. “This site posts daily blogs that concentrate on things going on today. It’s going to teach the kids how to access information and resources.”    

Local family chiropractor Fern London spoke to students about correct posture and how to properly carry heavy items. London has operated in Lynbrook for the last 25 years. 

“I try to get across the importance of spinal alignment,” she said. “That is keeping their curves properly aligned so their brain can send messages down their spinal chord. This way, their body can function at 100 percent.”

According to London, people should see a chiropractor for their entire lives or, as she puts it, “from the womb to the tomb.”

“People should have very gentle spinal checks, just to make sure that their nerves are working properly,” London said. 

In addition to nutrition and posture, exercising was a major theme.   

A representative from , a local family fitness and wellness studio, lectured about the importance of physical fitness. School Board President Catherine Papandrew, who also organizes the annual , spoke about what it takes to train for a triathlon and proper bicycle safety. 

For those students looking for ways to relieve stress, a yoga presentation was offered in a nearby classroom.

As a last bit of entertainment and education, students were treated to a presentation from the During the safety presentation, groups were taken outside and were given an inside look at a working ambulance. 

Were you at the health fair Thursday? Tell us in the comments below.