Schools Focus on Eating Healthy, Fire Prevention

The Babylon School District is boosting student knowledge on a wide range of issues with special assembly programs and featured speakers.

The most recent assembly focused on boosting heart health and featured a local pediatric cardiologist who presented a workshop to students in grades seven through 12th.

In presenting "Nutrition for Sports Performance – Keeping Your Heart Healthy," Dr. Sean Levchuk discussed the four major food groups, how food affects the muscles, the importance of water for the body, vitamins and the proper nutrition guidelines athletes should follow before, during and after games.

"Remember, even the smallest change can carry big results. If you take care of yourself now you will be in better shape for the future and will be able to tackle challenges both on the field and in the classroom," he told the students.

School officials say they're hoping to provide a similar workshop for parents in the near future.

On the elementary front, the district recently provided a 'stop, drop and roll' educational program focused on ensuring that young children know what, and what not, to do in case of a fire situation.

The Babylon Fire Department hosted the in- school fire prevention program in which volunteer firefighters talked with students about the various equipment used and how students can help prevent fires from happening.

The students were also given a chance to get a close-up look at a fire truck and the gear and equipment used in firefighting.

This week the Babylon Community Coalition and Babylon Schools will host a new parent workshop called "What's Your Plan?" that educates parents on signs that a child is using and abusing drugs.

The one-hour program will be held on Wednesday, November 17, in Rowe Hall of the Babylon Junior-Senior High School at 7 p.m.

Caroline Sullivan, the managing director of Daytop, a rehab facility, will speak on teen drug and alcohol use and how parents can be prepared to deal with the issues.