Hometown Health Hosts Back-to-School Blitz

McKENZIE (June 17) — Hometown Health Clinic hosted a Back-to-School Blitz Wednesday at the pediatric office on Hospital Drive. The event, with the theme “Homer’s Fun Day on the Farm,” aimed to remind parents to schedule well visits for their school-age children as well as provide a fun day of activities during the summer break.

Kids enjoyed sno cones, games such as cornhole, temporary tattoos, giveaways, door prizes and a petting zoo by A&B Minis and Mobile Petting Zoo of McKenzie.

The petting zoo included goats, sheep, chickens, an alpaca, a donkey and a tortoise.

Parents were provided with a handy checklist for back-to-school preparedness:

*Schedule your child’s back-to-school check-up.

*Buy school supplies. Communicate with your school to find out everything your child will need for the year.

*Get back into a good sleeping habit. Elementary-aged kids should get 10-12 hours of sleep, and teens should aim for 8.5-9.5 hours of sleep.

*Create a quiet area for reading and homework.

*Watch backpack weight. Heavy backpacks can strain a child’s growing body, including their muscles and joints.

*Calm back-to-school jitters. If your child is feeling anxious about going back to school, physical activity may help.

*Keep meals healthy and interesting. Have fun creating menu items that your child likes.

*Wash your hands. We should remember the importance of hand washing, both at school, at home and anywhere in public.