Some Sunset Park kids got an extra boost towards having a healthy school year, thanks to doctors and educators from Lutheran Family Health Centers (LFHC), Brooklyn Public Library, the FDNY, Lutheran School Health Dental Department and others, who teamed up for the 13th annual Back-To-School Blast in Martin Luther Park on the afternoon of Thursday, September 4.
Over 100 blue-and-black backpacks were handed out to schoolchildren, who also received free dental screenings and healthy eating stories and tips, painted faces and temporary tattoos.
“[The doctor] helped me out about how to use Listerine and ACTKids,” said mom Nancy Diaz, whose four-year-old son Isaiah Espinoza practiced his teeth-brushing skills on a giant mouth display and also got a quick dental check-up while there. “And she said you have just got to keep brushing.”
Also on the agenda was fire safety, with Lieutenant Vasconi instructing parents and kids alike to “have an escape plan and practice it,” as well as have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the house.
Residents were also able to get information on how to apply for health insurance through the new Affordable Care Act. Anyone with questions can contact LFHC Outreach and Enrollment Supervisor Mirsonia Molina at 718-630-8930 or mmolina3@lmcmc.com.
The event was sponsored by HealthPlus Amerigroup.
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