Mobile health tour in Markleeville on Monday

Families are offered tips and tools to help children build healthy dental habits at the First 5 Alpine's Children's Celebration, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the Alpine Learning Center, 100 Foothill Road, Markleeville.

First 5 Alpine's health tour stop in Alpine County includes free Dr. Fresh FireFly toothbrushes, educational games and a free barbecue lunch for families with children age 5 and younger. Information at First 5 Alpine, (530) 694-1149.

Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child's growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to support programs for expectant parents and children to 5 years. As part of public education efforts, First 5 California implements the Hands-on Health mobile outreach tour statewide to teach California families about healthy habits. Information about the Hands-on Health van, call Lindsay McIntyre at (310) 913-3352.