Minden Elementary holds health fair

“Whoa, slow and go” resources on health were provided by more than 30 businesses at Minden Elementary School’s second health fair on Oct. 12.

According to the University Nevada Reno, Department of Nutrition’s Rethink Your Drink program, “Whoa, slow and go,” are food and drinks that should be avoided, moderated or ones to always say yes to. Businesses including local dentists, physical and mental health clinics, gyms and more provided “whoa, slow and go,” resources on a variety of health topics during the fair.

“It’s all about spreading health and mental health in the community and promoting healthy food choices,” said Minden Elementary school counselor Ashley Goering.

Goering along with parent volunteer Dentist Dr. Celeste M. Eckerman and Minden Elementary School Nurse Tawny Spires started the fair last year encouraging businesses to provide resources for families promoting health.

“We wanted to give families the opportunity to know what’s available in the community to help them where they need it,” said Minden Elementary School Principal Crespin Esquivel.

Raley’s had baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables to sample, CrossFit Ampersand challenged visitors to spin a wheel for a workout routine and Pulse Fitness provided information for strong bodies while Carson Valley health supported healthy bodies on hand hygiene, nutrition, respiratory and body weight screening. Other vendors included Carson Valley Community Food Closet, Suicide Prevention Network and Backpack Buddies.

One of the most popular vendor was the science experiments led by Eckerman on what energy drinks, sodas and other sugary drinks do to teeth.

“If it bubbles, it’s bad for your teeth,” Eckerman told children and families as they came up to the booth to pour the different drinks over baking soda and watch it fizz.

Some children were surprised to find that Gatorade bubbled while Bubly Sparkling water did not.

Next to Eckerman the “Rethink your Drink” booth from the University of Nevada Reno Nutrition Department, showed the amount of sugar in popular sports drinks, juices and coffee.

“People are often surprised at how much sugar is in some of the most popular drinks, even us adults when we get a drink from our favorite coffee place,” said coordinator Debbie Johnson. “Sometimes children consume sugars too young, and it can be really damaging to their teeth and overall heath.”

Esquivel said the turn out from vendors and visitors were pleased with the event and hopes the fair continues annually.

“All the resources who have come out have been really supportive and loved it last year, and this year, hopefully it continues to grow, and we have more variety of vendors,” said Esquivel.