University Health hosts annual Back to School Health Fair Saturday

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - In just a few weeks school will be starting and while parents are getting plenty of backpacks and school supplies, some might forget something important--your child's health.

That's why University Health is hosting its 4th annual Back to School Health Fair for the community Saturday, July 28. The entire event is free and will be held at the hospital's Ambulatory Care Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Hospital staff work to put this on for the community each year, and children who come will not only get backpacks and school supplies but a chance to get their health checked before school starts.

"They'll be games, and lots of screenings; eye screenings, scoliosis screenings, dental screenings, hearing screenings, vision screenings," said patient advocate, John-Michael Strange.

"Parents will get a lot of good useful information."

There will also be sessions for parents and children on a variety of things like diseases and how to properly wash your hands.

The hospital will also host a raffle for families to get a chance to win computers and tablets.

Strange says they just want to be available for the community, and make things easier for families during this time.

"There are people who have many, many children, and lots of expenses," he said. "There are single mothers, single fathers, and we're here to make sure that we ease that burden a little bit."

Dr. Steven Bienvenue is the pediatric clinic director at University Health and says parents should make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date. He also suggests making a list of your child's shots and medications and says parents should make sure their child's sleep schedule is back on track for school.

"We need to get that sleep back to school times and school day schedules, " he said.

"That's a little bit hard to do so if you have a week or two before let's get started a week or two before."

Bienvenue also suggests parents schedule their children's check-ups now because doctors will get busy when school starts.

"We tend to get very busy in the last week before school starts, and the first few days before school starts and the week after when some folks discover they're vaccinations are not up to date," he said.

Bienvenue along with other doctors will be at the fair Saturday treating children.

If you are interested in attending the fair and would like to pre-register, click HERE.

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