KCUYC and KC Health Care Foundation
Host Healthy Lifestyles Fair
by Nicole Morrow R.N. (KCUYC Health Care Coordinator)

On November 30, 2007, the KC Urban Youth Center hosted its first ever Healthy Lifestyles Fair. This community event was a tremendous success—nearly 100 people from the Center and the surrounding local community were in attendance throughout the evening!

All in attendance were invited to participate in this event which offered health screenings (blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI screenings), exhibits, and food tasting. Nurses from the community were available to help interpret test/screening results. Special guest presentations and exhibits sponsored by the KC Free Health Clinic, the KC Public Health Department and other like organizations provided important health information.

In preparation for this event, KCUYC students learned more about healthy eating and healthy living throughout the entire fall semester. At the health fair, they showcased all they had learned—one example being that students offered Health Fair participants samples of healthy meal and snack choices. Parents were able to see the work of their children as they were invited to participate with them in a variety of games, and experience a presentation of a typical weekly yoga session at the Center. The KCUYC’s Student Leadership Team especially worked hard to transform the Health Fair event from an idea to a reality.

All participants were given recipes for healthy meals, a pedometer, and additional health information. Funding for this project and all health-related education at the KCUYC is provided by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

The Healthy Lifestyles Fair is just one of many extraordinary ways that the KCUYC is endeavoring to holistically and tangibly impact our students, their parents and our community.

To volunteer to be a part of the programs and services we offer students and families in our community, email your contact information to volunteer@kcurbanyouthcenter.org.