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Chisago Lakes Middle School opened up the small gymnasium and half of the big gym last week to accommodate the annual Health Fair. This has grown over the years into a multi-station educational opportunity offered to students in grade 8.

Students rotate through the stations and after participating, or being instructed on the theme of the station, the personnel sign-off on students' participation documents.

Stations include everything from the police department's "drunk goggles" that simulate what a few drinks can do to your equilibrium... to a station serving healthy smoothies.

Students try using a wheelchair and negotiate a ramp...they get their blood pressure and heart rate checked, they visit with emergency services staff and see their equipment, they can view and learn about x-rays. Students' faces are scanned in a derma-scan unit, to learn about the effects of ultra-violet rays and a nurse privately gave a brief skin analysis. There was a display about portion control and a demonstration "fat vest" that could be slipped on.

Fairview Health Services, Chisago County Public Health, St. Croix Valley Medical Center, local police officers, EMTs, the Youth and Family Community Partnership and many other area organizations give their time and materials to make this a successful, fun and unique learning experience.

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