THIS SATURDAY! All Children are Welcome to the 2nd Ward Back-to-School Health Fair

Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) and the employees of Rush University Medical Center invite you and your children to the annual 2nd Ward Back to School Health Fair this Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. More than 600 children and their families are expected to participate. Immunizations and physicals will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Whitney M. Young High School, 211 South Laflin St. between Jackson and Adams, on Chicago’s Near West Side.

Students of all ages are welcome to participate. Registration ends at 12:45 p.m. so please be prompt.

The event is hosted by Alderman Fioretti, RU Caring (a community service program courtesy of Rush University students), The Chicago Department of Public Health, LaQuinta Inns & Suites and several other generous sponsors. Neighbors, Rush employees, physicians, nurses and students volunteer their time and expertise to provide school physicals, vision and hearing screenings, dental exams, and update immunizations for the start of the school year. In addition, students will be able to play games and win a limited number of school supplies.

Volunteers with the Chicago Herpetological Society will be presenting some of the animals that they have rescued and for which they provide expert care. Students will have an opportunity to learn more about reptiles, amphibians and the proper respect of and care for wildlife.

Research shows that healthy students have better attendance and perform better in school. Physicals and updated immunizations are required for students entering kindergarten or 1st grade, 5th grade, and 9th grade (ages 5, 10, and 15 for ungraded programs). Students entering schools in the State of Illinois for the first time at any grade level and children up to the age of 6 entering preschool are also required to have a physical exam and updated immunizations.

For more information, please call (312) 263-8273 or (312) 583-1614.