To provide experience in the preparation and presentation of community-based health education seminars, Andrea Nazar, D.O., developed a health education lab for second-year students at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. The students prepare and present “healthy news” to schools, civic groups, senior citizen centers, and other organizations, tailoring the presentation to the intended audience and to the interests of the group(s) they are addressing.
On Oct. 29, a group of eight (prepared, organized, engaging and energetic) second-year students/future doctors and their facilitator Larry Davis, Ph.D., presented a hands-on program about Safety in the community (Halloween)/schools and the role germs play in our everyday lives. Each second grade student rotated in groups between two stations set up in the classroom.
“My students loved the skit about Trick or Treating and came up with some wonderful answers about what is and is not safe and why,” stated teacher Deborah W. Johnson. In the Healthy Food & Exercise group, students learned about the basic food groups and why your body needs exercise. Students stretched and took turns rolling two dice. One die told them what exercise to do and the second die told them how many.
In the Germ Station, students used synthetic (non-contagious), liquid germs to rub on their hands. After shaking hands with their peers (spreading the germs), students then washed their hands (without instruction) and looked at their hands under a special flashlight that made them visible. Realizing how many germs still remained; second graders were concerned. The WVSOM students demonstrated to the second graders how to properly wash their hands (which is the best first defense against germs). Second graders then washed their hands the way they were instructed. Afterwards, students looked at their hands again under the special light and found very few germs!
Next, using a laptop and tooth model, second graders learned about plaque and bacteria that can form in the human mouth. They discussed brushing, flossing and how important having a healthy mouth it is to your body, as well as your teeth. Each student was given a new Colgate Toothbrush to take home, along with a WVSOM goodie bag.
At the end of the presentation, the WVSOM students asked questions they developed that were related to the information from their presentations and skit. Students were very interested in the question – answer session and were able to expand on many of the topics. WVSOM is one of Ronceverte Elementary School’s Partner’s In Education.
If your group or organization is looking for presenters on health issues, you may contact Larry Davis, Ph.D. at WVSOM, 304-647-6231 and schedule a presentation.
