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Area students learn about health, safety
Published 7:24am Wednesday, March 10, 2010Area high school freshmen were positive and eager to learn Tuesday during the 22nd annual Otter Tail County Youth Health Conference held at WestRidge Mall, Fergus Falls. Topics that directly affect youth, such as Internet safety, dating relationships, chemical dependency and promoting healthy lifestyles, were part of the agenda.
“The kids have good attitudes and are willing to learn some things that will help them in their daily lives,” said Andy Miller of the Fergus Falls Police Department.
Miller manned a booth for “Safe Communities Coalition.” Youth, including Fergus Falls freshman Aaron Kamrowski, wore goggles to simulate intoxication or impairment. This procedure gave them a feel, which hopefully none will have to take part in, of “walking the line” after getting picked up for a possible DWI.
The Safe Communities Coalition, whose members include representatives from various agencies such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, highway engineering and other education entities, want to keep people safe as they travel. The coalition meets throughout the year to address the tough issues people face on roadways such as drinking and driving, no seat belt usage, incorrect child seat usage, and other at-risk drivers that may literally cross paths by accident, every day.
Presentations, as part of the Youth Health Conference, were held at Cinema 5 inside the mall, with health informational booths set up in another area of the mall that’s referred to as the community room. Participating schools included freshmen from Fergus Falls, Battle Lake, Underwood, Rothsay, Henning and Ashby.
“The target audience, ninth graders, was selected because of the significant physical, emotional and developmental changes that are happening during this time in their lives,” said Desta Lutzwick. “The goal is to provide students with information to assist them in making better decisions in their lives.”
The keynote speaker was Joel Voxland, detective with the Moorhead Police Department. His topic was Internet safety, which included insight into bullying, sexting and problems with social networking.
Dick Schafer, consultant and director of Touch Love Center in Fargo, spoke about chemical dependency: a family disease. Dating relationships was the topic for Michelle Eldien, assistant county attorney for Otter Tail County, and Kim Moen, advocate for Someplace Safe, Fergus Falls. Promoting a healthy lifestyle was the topic for Kevin Sonstebo, police officer liaison with the Fergus Falls Police Department.
Over 400 students participated at this year’s event.
Sponsoring agencies were Fergus Falls Community Education, Lake Region Healthcare Corporation, Otter Tail County Probation, Kids First, University of Minnesota Extension, 4-H, and WestRidge Mall.
Volunteer assistants were recognized along with the Otter Tail County Detention Facility, West Otter Tail American Dairy Association, local dairy farmers and WestRidge Cinema 5.
For more information call Desta Lutzwick at 218-998-8500.
