Health fair promotes healthy living

The annual GHS Health Fair took place on Friday as dozens of community health organizations gathered in the field house to educate students on healthy living, decision making, and nutrition.  

GHS Health Center’s nurse practitioner Linda Gipstein along with Karen Hurst organized the event with Lahey Health’s community relations manager Grace Numerosi.

“It’s a great educational experience,” said senior Alexia Marnoto. “I learned a lot about my body and how to keep it safe and sound.”

Many booths and tables lined the field house as the Gloucester Police Department executed police dog demonstrations for every block scheduled. Backyard Growers brought homemade pesto along with garden grown tomatoes.

Mass in Motion Cape Ann provided a trampoline for students to jump on for one minute to demonstrate how much exercise is required to burn the calorie of one M&M.

“Our goal is to increase opportunities for physical activities,” said Mass in Motion’s Senior Project Manager Stephen Winslow, “and access to healthy food in the community.”

Pathways for Children along with Addison Gilbert Hospital and Beverly Hospital provided applications for student volunteer opportunities for summer positions.

GHS’ Gay Straight Alliance provided a prize wheel to spread positivity. “Our main goal is to make people more aware of all of the different kinds of people that are around you and go to school with you,” said senior GSA member Julia Demarjian.

Many other organizations attended the fair, such as The Open Door Food Pantry, the Gloucester Fire Department, the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative, the Cape Ann YMCA, and more.

“It was a great opportunity to engage local high school students,” said Cape Ann YMCA’s Member Engagement Specialist Ryan Williamson, “and share valuable information about healthy living.”