SRMC's kids health fair on tap for Saturday

Before the kids don their costumes for Halloween on Saturday, the Sidney Regional Medical Center is giving them and their parents a chance to learn more about health.

The "All About Kids Health Adventure" will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday at the Cheyenne County Community Center. The free event is being put on by the Health Center Foundation and SRMC as part of an ongoing focus to offer more key health information and resources to the community to support a healthy, active lifestyle.

"We want to take health and make it fun and interactive at this event," said Evie Parsons, the hospital's director of public relations and marketing. "There won't be the poking and prodding that comes with a usual adult health fair. Instead, the community center will be set up like Dr. Seuss' 'Whoville,' and kids can learn about healthy eating, hand hygiene, safety and activities, getting enough sleep and the negatives to drug use."

Parsons said that as part of the nonprofit's annual Community Health Needs Assessment, the SRMC team had received many requests to offer an event that was more geared toward kids and their parents. The committee has partnered with area groups and organizations to design an event that will provide an activity-based fun time.

Saturday's event will also be the location to turn entries for the Halloween coloring contest that SRMC and The Sidney Sun-Telegraph partnered on again this year. Coloring forms will also be available at the event.

Activities, crafts, giveaways, helpful tips, game and snacks will all be part of Saturday's event. At least two dozen groups will participate in the event, including some focused on dental care, martial arts, exercise and rehabilitation and maternal and infant services.

"This is a great opportunity to support our required health needs initiatives by offering a free event that is entertaining, interactive and informative," said Tammy Meier, nurse at SRMC.

The event is appropriate for children who are just months old to 18 years old, their parents and care providers, Meier said.

"This will be an outstanding opportunity for kids to get a better understanding of their own health," said hospital CEO Jason Petik. "This will only help them for the future.

"We want to give them a chance to learn about their bodies and their health. We want them to be proactive about it.

"If the kids themselves learn how to be healthy and active, they'll make better decisions down the line. They'll end up living happier and healthier lives."