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BLOOMINGDALE -- Activities which promote forming healthy habits has been this week's focus for students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.
Health technology students celebrated HOSA Week, which ran Monday through Friday.
Each day featured a different theme and topic, according to organizers. The program includes 15 juniors and 11 seniors who are taught by HOSA adviser Tammy Sismondo.
Those in the program earn experience and industrial credentials, which will be helpful when venturing into any of the health fields, including nursing and radiology.
Sismondo stated the events are student-driven and designed to highlight physical and mental health among peers and the community.
"Every day is a health care-related issue, and we present information to the students," Sismondo explained.
"We provide facts about heart health and make a pledge for people to be drug-free," she added. "We also provide tips on how to stay mentally healthy."
Tuesday's theme centered around the topic "Donate Life," where students were encouraged to wear blue. Health tech members discussed organ donation.
"Walking Wednesday" celebrated heart health, with students wearing red attire.
Thursday was entitled "Lei Off Drugs," with students donning a Hawaiian shirt and a lei.
"Feel Good Friday" featured students wearing green and focusing on mental health.
Efforts will continue through a Career Day activity, set to take place Feb. 28.
According to Sismondo, local health care professionals have been invited to speak to students during their lunch periods in the cafeteria, informing them about the available jobs in the health field.
"It's a way to not only introduce our students in health technologies, but to introduce other students about having a potential career in health care," Sismondo remarked. "Our students were asked to invite a health care representative. It makes them more aware there are careers for them. There is such a need in health care and that need is growing."
This was the first time for the HOSA activities, Sismondo concluded, adding the methods were two-fold. Not only does the daily themes and topics help her pupils to develop leadership, organizational skills and team-building skills, but it helps them to share that vital information with others.
"It's a great way for students to share their knowledge with the school," she said. "And by educating our students, we can educate our community, as well."