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"Number awareness" was being heightened in a lesson offered last week at the Chisago Lakes Middle School, but these numbers were related to blood pressure and pulse, and not for calculating the square feet in a geometric shape.

Fairview Health Services and the Chisago Lakes District, along with county public health and various physical and mental health providers in this area, have long teamed-up to bring the Health Fair to middle schoolers each year.

The kids walk from the classrooms to the Middle School gymnasium and attached practice room, in groups. They are expected to work their way through a series of stations or exhibits. As they work their way through the health fair the presenters initial a student's paperwork showing they have participated and youth are questioned on what they learned.

Students can give yoga a try, they can spend a couple minutes in a wheelchair, or have the skin on their face analyzed and learn about the effects of too much sun, etc. in a portable "dermascan" unit. There are displays and educational materials on current concerns like body piercing, internet safety, nutrition and many other areas of interest.

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