By BELVIDERE - Cars packed the parking lot at the Belvidere YMCA for the Fourth Annual Boone County Children’s Health Fair July 24.
Cherie Dollinger of the YMCA estimated 200 people came to gather information on local doctors, pediatric dentists and other health care providers lining the gymnasium.
Children were given balloons, coloring books and a chance to make crafts such as sun visors. There was also a fun run and free shirts for about 50 children, fewer than Dollinger hoped for but the gray sky forced runners indoors.
Jami Wachlin missed the fun run, but her two children and nephew did stop to have their faces painted at the Belvidere North High School booth.
"I liked the tips on parenting and everything," Wachlin said after visiting the YWCA stall.
Many medical vendors handed out information for parents on healthy snacks in response to growing concerns about children’s eating habits.
"They learn about the fact that they need to watch what their children are eating and that there is a concern about obesity," said the YMCA’s Dollinger.
Dr. Trish Moody of Rockford Health Physicians gave away water bottles and tips for summer safety while Denise Banzhaf, at the SwedishAmerican Health System booth, took height and weight measurements. Although most of the children were fine with the check up, Banzhaf said parents were less enthusiastic.
"Most moms are like, ‘No way!’," she said.
Lisa Hadzima stopped specifically to pick up a DNA identification kit from the Belvidere Police Department’s booth. She said she was surprised and pleased when she found representatives for places such as Rasmussen College available as well.
"I really liked all the vendors and all the little displays and activities they had for the children," Hadzima said.
She said her three-year-old son, Benjamin, is at the age where he is less interested in the health tips than collecting things such as pencils from all the stalls.
Away from the hustle of the gym, the Boone County Health Department manned the immunization booth. With a van and shots donated by Blue Cross Blue Shield, nurses sat ready to give free immunizations to local children.
Nurse Nancy Reagan said most parents were bringing in children to get ready for the school year and were attracted to the value.
"The word that interests them is free," she said. "People don’t realize these shots can be $100 a piece, so if you need four shots that’s $400."
Dollinger said the YMCA and co-organizer Belvidere Spine and Posture Clinic are planning to bring the health fair back for 2011.
