First Annual Newcastle School Health Fair A Big Success!
April 21, 2008
The first annual Newcastle School Health Fair was a huge success thanks to the coordination efforts of Ms.Gena Phillips, school nurse, and the wonderful participation of 14 businesses and health agencies from Young County and the north Texas area. Good health care is truly one of the greatest needs that Americans have today and these exhibitors demonstrated how fortunate we are to have such well-qualified health professionals working in our area of Texas.
Each of the exhibitors did a great job of showing the Newcastle students how their business or agency contributes to the health and safety needs of our community. Dr. Joe Peeks was busy all afternoon explaining the health problems that can be caused by a person's physical misalignment and how he can help reduce or eliminate many of these harmful, uncomfortable health conditions. The personnel from Olney EMS sponsored a bicycle rodeo for younger students and thanks to the generosity of the Farmers National Bank of Newcastle, two students left the health fair with brand new bicycles. Two demonstrations by exhibitors were provided outside of the Newcastle gym on the Bobcat football field.
Young County Sheriff Deputies were on hand to talk to students about safety and Deputy Brian Cassidy brought his partner and drug dog, Mina, to provide a demonstration of teamwork during an arrest. Travis Bell, a Newcastle High School junior, volunteered to serve as a suspect on the run and had about a 25 yard head start before Mina caught up with him and took him down. It was very obvious that running from Mina is not a very good option.
Students became very excited when it became apparent that the sound of an incoming "chopper" was coming straight for the Bobcat football field. The helicopter and medical team from Air Evac LIFETEAM provided students and teachers a great, close-up look at the technical detail of transporting an injured or seriously ill patient.
The Newcastle School Health Advisory Committee can be very proud of their first health fair and the participation by so many willing and generous health and safety agencies and businesses.
Health and safety agencies and businesses from Young County and the surrounding area participating in this innaugaral health fair includes the following: Peeks Chiropractic, Cub Drug, Olney EMS, Graham Fire & Rescue, Young County Sheriff's Department, Air-Evac LIFETEAM, Seven Oaks Nursing Home, Med-Care Medical Supply, Young County Extension Service, Texas Department of State Health Services, First Step, Inheritance Adoptions, Serenity House, and NISD Food Service.