Free school physicals, health services for K-12 students at annual health fair

DES MOINES, IA (07/19/2013)(readMedia)-- Des Moines University, the Polk County Health Department and other local agencies are partnering to provide free school physicals and a variety of other health services on Saturday, July 27, at East High School, 815 East 13th Street, Des Moines.

Jumpstart School Physicals, an annual event that serves more than 2,000 kids, offers physicals, immunizations, dental screenings, lead tests, EKGs and mental health screenings to area students. The health fair also provides help with health and dental insurance applications and information on after school programming. Students who participate in the screenings receive a backpack with school supplies.

"Back to school time can be very hectic, trying to coordinate schedules and wrap up summer activities. Jumpstart School Physicals makes it easy for families who do not have adequate health insurance to get their check-ups and school supplies all at once," says Sarah Boese, Polk County Health Department educator and planning committee chairwoman.

Physicals and screenings are available to all Polk County K-12 students from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. East High School students are welcome at 10 a.m. A parent or guardian must accompany each student.

For more information, visit www.dmu.edu/event/jumpstart-school-physicals or call 515-271-1374.

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Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.