Apr. 8--PIEDMONT -- Her smile, braces and all, showed her happiness: Kathryn Lusk was one healthy child.
But before getting a free health screening Tuesday, the Piedmont Elementary student didn't know with 100 percent certainty.
"You're kinda scared to see what you get," the 11-year-old said. "But when you see you done good on your test, you're kinda relieved."
Lusk and about 550 other kids from Piedmont Elementary had their temperatures checked, heart rates monitored, and eyes and teeth examined for free through Alabama's KidCheck program.
Gov. Bob Riley launched KidCheck last May. One of its major goals is to keep kids healthier and, in turn, in school learning.
The program reaches 23 school systems statewide, with Piedmont City Schools becoming the first local school to participate. The program partners with local nursing programs and volunteering doctors to provide the screenings.
After the tests, parents receive a report. If there are red flags -- such as high blood pressure or rotting teeth -- parents are given referrals to local doctors. Uninsured students can be covered through the Alabama Child Caring Program.
"The greatest part about the program is that it has a follow-up component for kids ..." said Chad Nichols, assistant director with the Alabama Rural Action Commission, an organizer of the program.
Other organizers include Alabama Power Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
Nichols said up to 20,000 kids across the state will be screened this year. Next month, Clay County Schools will participate.
About 30 Jacksonville State University nursing students examined students Tuesday -- checking their respiratory rate, weight, height, lungs, throat and their body-mass index for obesity.
Nursing instructor Dr. Shawn Wilson said getting her students hands-on experience is key toward their development.
"It gives them a chance to say, 'Oh. This is what I learned in class,'" she said.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, attended Tuesday's screening. He said the day was not only about providing prevention screenings to all kids, but about educating parents about how affordable health insurance is.
It "helps get these kids back into insurance programs ..." he said.
Dr. Benjamin Ingram of Piedmont, a volunteering dentist, said the day was about catching health concerns early.
"From a dental standpoint, it's prevention at its best."
Superintendent Matt Akin said a healthier kid is a smarter kid.
"Our kids will have an easier time learning if they're healthy," he said.
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The program provides free health screenings to school children. Gov. Bob Riley last May created the program, which is organized through the Alabama Rural Action Commission, Alabama Power Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield's Alabama Child Caring Foundation. Statewide, 23 school systems are participating. Schools partner with area college nursing programs and organizations from across the state to administer the screenings.
About Michael A. Bell
Michael Bell covers education and health for The Star. He is a graduate of University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
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