Barnum Woods hosts annual Health Fair

It was an active day at Barnum Woods Elementary School on April 15. Students could be seen dancing to hip-hop beats, stretching in a yoga room, learning the functions of the brain and bones from medical professionals and even getting to see a police emergency helicopter up close. 

The activities set up throughout the building were part of the school’s seventh annual Health Fair.  

Kelly O’Brien, assistant principal at Barnum Woods, led a committee comprising staff and community members to put together the extensive educational program.

“Our staff that we have here has set such high expectations not just for the students but for each other,” she said. “Whenever an event is planned, it’s always to the best that it could be for the kids and it’s always about the kids.”

A group of residents from the Nassau University Medical Center were stationed in several classrooms to teach lessons on various parts and functions of the body, including digestion, bones, kidney, brain, lungs and the heart. They utilized Smart Board technology to make their lessons more interactive for the children. The students also learned from an array of medical professionals from various areas, including optometry, dentistry, pediatric medicine and chiropractic. 

Students also participated in fitness classes led by experts in zumba, yoga and hip-hop fitness. Experts provided tips to children on how to stay safe while riding bikes and also to take extra care while in the sun. 

A Nassau County Police Department helicopter visited the school to give kids a lesson on rescue methods, searches and other emergency services. Lastly, the Town of Hempstead stopped by to introduce children to its fingerprinting program.

In addition to the presenters, a long list of community members, organizations and businesses contributed products and services for the program.  

O’Brien noted that children absorbed valuable lessons while having fun at the same time. 

“It’s about educating them,” she said, “and also having them learn in an educational fun way to take care of their bodies. 

Don Whearty, a gym teacher involved in the planning of the Health Fair, agreed. 

“This is really a prideful thing that we do here,” Whearty said. “We try to have diversity in the things we offer and the things that matter in their lives.”