Charlo fair promotes health, flu vaccinations
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CHARLO — The Charlo Parent Teacher Association is doing their best to keep the flu at bay this season by hosting the second annual Health Fair.
Along with flu vaccines, an array of health information and prevention materials were available Thursday evening in Charlo’s new multi-purpose room.
Besides serving as an educational event for the community, the health fair was also educational for Salish Kootenai College student nurses.
Student nurses used the fair as a clinical, checking glucose levels for diabetes and taking visitors’ blood pressure.
Sheri Clark, Lake County Health Department nurse and part time nurse for Charlo schools, was pleased with the turnout.
Though most visitors came for the flu shot, she used the opportunity to provide the public with extra health information.
Carrying a folder full of educational material, she provided parents with informational brochures and pamphlets regarding sexual health.
It’s become a goal for Clark to educate the public about Sexually Transmitted Diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS.
Clark’s own best friend died from the disease, and she reported that contrary to what some people believe, the disease has touched many Lake County residents, killing five of Charlo’s own alumni.
She’s hoping to procure speakers and activities at Charlo to educate students about the disease during AIDS Awareness week beginning Dec. 1.
The prevention lessons she presents aren’t always well received by all parents. Clark explained that some parents don’t want sex education readily available in the classroom.
She went on to explain that it’s typical for administrators to hear negative feedback from a few disgruntled parents instead of hearing all the success stories that resulted from educating students about sexual health.
In addition to sexual health information, flu shots, diabetes testing and blood pressure checks, the event supplied visitors with information about sexting — sending text messages with a sexual implicit message, bullying, Buckle-up Montana and Healthy Montana Kids programs.
Clark’s enthusiasm for the event stems from her belief that it’s something the community will benefit from.
“I think it will only continue to grow from here,” she said.
