Last school year, Junior Care Clinic (JCC) had the privilege of visiting Nystrom Elementary School to share engaging, hands-on lessons with students from first through sixth grade. Our committees—Public Health, Medical, Dental, and Vision—each designed interactive presentations to make health education accessible, memorable, and fun. From learning about the importance of nutrition and hygiene to exploring careers in medicine and receiving personalized vision screenings, our goal was to empower students with knowledge that supports their well-being both now and in the future.
At Nystrom, Our Medical Committee focused on teaching third and fourth graders the importance of first aid, from caring for scrapes and burns to understanding how blood flows through the body. Students eagerly followed along with our custom worksheets, asked thoughtful questions, and even shared personal stories. A highlight was the activity where everyone did jumping jacks to observe how exercise affects heart rate.
Students perform jumping jacks for heart rate activity.
Nystrom student using stethoscope to heart heartbeat of JCC member.
For the older students, our team expanded the lessons to include hands-on experiences with CPR, heart cushions, and blood pressure cuffs. We also introduced them to different careers in medicine, helping spark curiosity about the field. Our unique curriculum blends knowledge, practice, and inspiration to encourage students to think about their health and future in new ways.
Our Dental Committee tailored its presentations to each grade, ensuring every student received information that felt relevant to them. Third graders had fun with interactive worksheets and shared stories about losing baby teeth, while sixth graders learned about more advanced topics like caring for braces. Across all grades, we emphasized the importance of brushing, flossing, and eating nutritious foods for long-term oral health. Our mission was not only to teach dental hygiene but also to inspire students to take responsibility for their teeth with confidence and motivation.
For the Vision Committee, we visited every classroom from first through sixth grade to conduct vision screenings. Using standard eye charts, students were asked to identify letters or symbols at different distances—a simple but powerful way to detect vision problems. For any students with discrepancies, we notified their parents and provided resources for affordable optometry clinics in the area. By making this process accessible, we hope to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in school without undetected vision challenges holding them back.
JCC members facilitating a vision exam for Nystrom students to test their eyesight.
The Public Health Committee presented “Bite into Better”, an interactive workshop introducing students to the basics of nutrition in a way that feels fun and directly connected to their daily lives. We covered why vitamins and minerals matter, how water fuels our bodies, and what it really means to eat a balanced meal. More importantly, we encouraged students to see how small choices—like drinking water instead of soda or adding fruits and vegetables to their meals—can make a lasting difference in their health. Through discussions, worksheets, and activities, students stayed engaged while learning that healthy eating is both achievable and empowering.
Our day at Nystrom Elementary highlighted what JCC values most: bringing health education directly into classrooms, creating space for curiosity, and empowering young students to make informed choices. Each committee contributed something unique, but together, we built a holistic learning experience that made health feel less like a subject and more like a life skill. We look forward to continuing our mission and expanding our outreach to inspire even more students in the future.