Lakeview Regional to hold children'€™s health fair

A day of fun and health for parents and children is planned at Lakeview Regional Medical Center July 19 from 9 a.m. until noon on the hospital grounds 95 E. Fairway Drive, Covington.

“We are aiming to make healthier lifestyle choices more enjoyable for children through fun and entertaining means,” said Jason Cobb, Lakeview CEO.

A visit by Hugo and the Honeybees from the New Orleans Hornets will take place at 11 a.m. during the festivities.

Among the services being offered are free immunizations for children under 18, regardless of their parents’ insurance or income status. Parents must bring their children’s immunization records with them to receive the shots.

Other healthy activities include making a healthy snack for school, crafts, demonstrations on bicycle safety, the Fire Evacuation House from St. Tammany Fire Department District 4 and car seat safety.

Children can also receive a free vision screening by Dr. Katie Wonch of Infinite Vision. This is a screening only, reading a chart to determine 20/20 vision, and is not an eye exam. There will also be free hearing screenings by Creel Hearing Center. Again, this screening will only find a problem in hearing, not an examination for infection or disease.

A backpack exam will also be provided.

Many children are experiencing back and shoulder pain from carrying a backpack to school that is too heavy for them, said Shay Lorenz, a Lakeview spokesperson. In this safety exercise, physical therapists will weigh the child and determine how heavy a backpack the individual can safely carry before causing harm.

Other activities include an inflatable obstacle course, a petting zoo and inflatable games. Complimentary refreshments will be served as well.

Each child will receive a LMRC gym bag and door prizes, and an autographed jersey from the New Orleans Hornets will be awarded.

Families are encouraged to bring one of the following items to be donated to Covington and Mandeville Head Start Centers: a 24-pack of crayons, large pack of construction paper, 7 oz. bottle of school glue or an eight pack of washable markers.