CMC's Traveling Medicine Show is an interactive program that makes learning fun.

By the time they reach middle school, children are at an increased risk for depression. But how many children know the warning signs, or how to talk about it and what to do if a friend exhibits such signs?

What are the potential health effects of tattoos and body piercings, popular for this age group?

The Chalmette Medical Center Traveling Medicine Show answers these and other relevant questions. It's a touring health fair that CMC brings to St. Bernard Parish middle schools.

Despite the seriousness of some of the topics, the emphasis is on having fun.

"It's education, but in small bits, with the children spending five or 10 minutes at each of 11 different booths," says Kathy DeRouen, CMC Marketing Director. "The purpose is to start health education at an earlier age by making children familiar with our hospital, health issues and medical careers. We also want to build a strong relationship with schools in St. Bernard Parish."

Other topics presented by members of various CMC departments are diabetes, heart care, smoking risks, and the importance of exercise and good nutrition.

To appeal to 10- to 13-year-olds, the exhibits are very visual. The children view X-rays and medical equipment, including stomach pumps and catheters, used in the Emergency Room for patients suffering from drug overdoses. "We're not trying to scare them. We are simply giving them a real-life perspective on what occurs," says DeRouen.

That's also true concerning tattoos and body piercings.

"We try to teach them that 'Maybe you shouldn't do it,'" DeRouen explains. "'But if you do, you should realize there are potential health effects.' Both tattoos and body piercings can cause infections."

One booth introduces students to various medical careers, including positions other than doctors and nurses.

"The students really enjoy getting a healthy perspective on various medical topics," says Tina Mikell, a physical education teacher and track coach at Chalmette Middle School.

At a recent show held at Chalmette Middle School, students' favorite booth was a "Germbusters" hand-washing demonstration. After rubbing a solution onto their hands to highlight germs, the students washed their hands, then returned to put their hands under an ultraviolet light. The result: More germs still were visible.

"They didn't realize it until they saw it that they weren't really cleaning their hands well enough," Mikell says. "They really enjoyed that booth."

9001 Patricia Street, P.O. Box 1727, Chalmette, LA 70044 (504) 620-6000