ADVISORY/Children 5 and under to Attend Spring Health Event on May 21 in Costa Mesa.

News Editors/Health/Medical Writers

ADVISORY...for Friday (May 21)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:   The Children and Families Commission of Orange County
        will sponsor a Spring Health Event for children ages 5 and
        under as part of its new School Nursing program to help young
        children be as healthy and ready as possible for school. The
        Spring Health Event will feature nearly a dozen health
        stations, offering the following free screenings and services:

        Dental screenings, developmental screenings, nutrition
        resources, appointment scheduling for community clinics,
        certified application assistance, social services, injury
        prevention information, kindergarten registration, and
        learning at-home activities. In addition, a School Readiness
        nurse will be on hand to offer height/weight assessments and
        vision/hearing exams.

WHEN:   Friday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Healthy Start -- Rea Center (Newport Mesa School District)
        661 Hamilton St.
        Costa Mesa, CA  92627

WHO:    Each Orange County school district has a School Readiness
        Coordinator and will have a School Readiness Nurse to refer
        parents to school readiness services, such as parenting
        classes, preschool programs, free or low-cost health services
        and early assessments and screenings. The School Readiness
        Coordinators for this event are Lorie Hoggard at 714-424-8909
        and Jan Marquardt at 949-515-6886.

WHY:    New research indicates that the earlier a child starts
        preparing for school, the better. Parents should not wait
        until kindergarten to make a connection with their local
        elementary school in Orange County because the school
        districts now offer programs for children ages 5 and under.