Hometown Health Hosts Back-to-School Blitz

McKENZIE (July 24) - Hometown Health Clinic hosted a Back-to-School Blitz Wednesday at the pediatric office on Hospital Drive. The event, with the theme "Homer's Fun Day on the Farm," aimed to remind parents to schedule well visits for their school-age children as well as provide a fun day of activities as the summer break winds down.

Kids enjoyed sno cones, face-painting, a visit from Homer the Hometown Hound and the adorable and exotic creatures of Bowties and Tutus Mobile Petting Zoo.

Based in Sharon, Bowties and Tutus is owned by Teala Nooner. Her mother, Tommie Terrell, who assisted with the animals at the event, is an LPN at Hometown Health's Gleason office.

Nooner's collection is USDA-certified and includes water buffalo, yaks, tortoises, rabbits, wallabies, goats, sheep, alpacas, coatimundis, kangaroos, porcupines and miniature cows.

Parents were provided with a handy checklist for back-to-school preparedness:

*Schedule your child's back-to-school check-up.

*Buy school supplies. Communicate with your school to find out everything your child will need for the year.

*Get back into a good sleeping habit. Elementary-aged kids should get 10-12 hours of sleep, and teens should aim for 8.5-9.5 hours of sleep.

*Create a quiet area for reading and homework.

*Watch backpack weight. Heavy backpacks can strain a child's growing body, including their muscles and joints.

*Calm back-to-school jitters. If your child is feeling anxious about going back to school, physical activity may help.

*Keep meals healthy and interesting. have fun creating menu items that your child likes.

*Wash your hands. We should remember the importance of hand washing, both at school, at home and anywhere in public.