May 1, 2017 at 3:56 p.m.
Over 300 learn about wellness at YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Over 300 learn about wellness at YMCA Healthy Kids Day
By Kayla Thomason-
The Rhinelander police and fire departments, Ponssee, Spirit and other businesses and organizations were set up outside with their rigs and dogs, to the delight of the children. Inside there were booths covering hearing, dental, vision and more, as well as goodies and crafts.
The YMCA of the Northwoods has participated in Healthy Kids Day since 2004, said Diane Zarembka, YMCA child care director.
"The turnout is great," she said, estimating that approximately 300 children were on hand.
The event blends fun with learning, and benefits both children and parents.
"It's a really fun and important day for families in our community to get together and to learn," said Marilyn Duschl, the YMCA's active older adult coordinator, who was in charge of the volunteers.
Duschl said she likes seeing the families come with parents, grandparents and other relatives.
Donna Polarski and her family made an impromptu stop at Healthy Kids Day and were glad they did.
"We were excited to drive by and see it here," she said. "We love it. We think it's a very good idea."
Polarski was fascinated by the technology on the fire truck and police vehicle.
"I saw that machine in the fire truck where they can sense heat and they can find you in smoke and I thought that was really cool," she said. "In the police car, I liked the screen where they can see what's going on in the back and it was kind of cool to see yourself on it."
"It's a wonderful thing to offer to the community," she added.
Polarski's daughter, Amber, was excited to sit in the helicopter and said she'd like to come back next year.
Riley Johnson enjoyed his third year at the event. He said he likes to "go on the bouncy house and get ice cream," as well as sit in the police car and see the camera in it.
He hopes to come back again next year and said he learned how to "eat healthy," he said.
Melissa Johnson, Riley's mother, said she finds the event to be beneficial.
"I think it's really good," she said. "In the gym area shows brushing the teeth, what kind of foods to eat, so I think it's very good for them." She noted that she learned something a bit surprising about dental care and soda.
"Actually, after drinking soda you're not supposed to brush your teeth right away, you're supposed to drink water and wait, I think she said about a half hour, before you brush your teeth," Johnson said.
She thinks it is because the soda reacts to the toothpaste and causes more cavities.
"It's a really good event, I think more people should come," she added.
This is the fifth year the Master Gardeners of the North has had a booth at this event. The greenthumbs showed children and their families how to plant and care for Black-Seeded Simpson Lettuce.
"They like it, and it's really fun for kids when they see the seeds start to sprout and the first greens popping through the soil," said Laurie McGill, vice president of the Master Gardeners. "I think it's good for the kids to get their hands in the dirt and to see where their food is coming from and that they can really grow it themselves. They don't have to go to the grocery store and buy everything."
She said she was pleased to see such a variety of vendors at the event.
"I think it shows kids different activities, the Y does a good job of putting all this on and bringing in all the different organizations shows kids how to be healthy kids," she said.
Jaimie Kaster, co-owner of Hearing Advantage, taught the visitors about free hearing testing, hearing aids, hearing protection, amplified shooter ears for hunters, custom ear protection for industrial workers that diminishes the sound of industrial machines while allowing the worker to hear their co-workers.
Hearing Advantage has had a booth at Healthy Kids Day for about four years and Kaster believes it's a valuable event.
"I think it's very important, it's actually exposing kids," she said. "Not only is it exposing them to learning about different things like teeth and ears and eyes, but also helps kids have a more comfortable feeling around it like when they have to go to their pediatrician."
"I think it's a great thing, I would love to see better attendance. I'd love the community to be more involved and I'd like to see more vendors get involved," she added.
Delta is the national sponsor of Healthy Kids Day. Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Cellcom, Ministry Medical Group, Complete Control, CoVantage Credit Union, O'Melia, Schiek, McEldowney law firm, Peoples State Bank, and Superior Diesel.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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