D218 Back to School Health Fair on August 10 at Shepard

District 218 will sponsor its fourth annual Back to School Health Fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, August 10 at Shepard High School in Palos Heights. 

We organize the event for many reasons.  The free and reduced-cost physicals, dental exams, and eye screens available at the fair occur just before the start of the new school year. 

And with so many families facing tight budgets, the event – which also includes free food, drinks and school supplies –offers a little financial relief.

Families and parents, current and future, also meet our teachers and administrators to learn everything about District 218.   Plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. 

But mostly it’s about helping our community get healthier. In addition to all the children’s services, the fair also features bone density, body mass, blood pressure, and other health screens for adults.

“The health fair features a wide variety of health resources for adults and children,” said Janet Callahan, the school nurse at Shepard.  “It’s a great time for the family to enjoy outdoor activities as well.”

“The health fair is a great opportunity for students, families and the community to see the connection between the community and our schools,” added Margie Eber, who also works for District 218 as a school nurse.

For families with young children, the fair includes entertainment, games, face painting, and bounce houses.

The success of this event, which draws hundreds, depends on the kindness and generosity of health care providers.  Dr. George Nista and his colleagues from Mt. Greenwood Eye Care (in the photo) and others volunteer to provide free and reduced-cost services. 

“We have many wonderful representatives from the community that are volunteering to provide services and offer educational information to help families live a healthier life,” said Peggy Gbur, who serves on the health fair committee and works as the nurse at Richards High School in Oak Lawn.

“Various health care agencies will be here to offer their services so that we can have a healthier community. The great part about this fair is that we all come
together as a community because we want our students and community to have a
healthier future,” said Eber.

Physicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, optometrists, and many other professionals will attend to provide service and information.

Facilities that volunteer their staff members include Advocate Christ Medical Center, MetroSouth Medical Center, Orland Park Dental, St. Xavier University Health Center, Contento Foot and Ankle Center, Smile Illinois, Ingalls Sports Network, Little Company of Mary Hospital, and a variety of mental and community health agencies.

In short, the heath fair features many opportunities.  It’s a great way to start the new school year.

For more details, please visit our web site at www.chsd218.org.