Mobile Health Central combines love for the Library and Health Professions

On Tuesday, August 19th, Mobile Health Central traveled to Ionia, Michigan’s Community Library for a collaborative event promoting a love for libraries, reading, healthy behaviors,  and the health professions. The Ionia Community Library’s Storytime Adventure for preschool-aged children provided a backdrop for this event. The week’s theme was health and wellness, making it a perfect fit for Mobile Health Central.

Local children from the Ionia community were treated to book readings accompanied by hands-on learning experiences, blending fun and education in a morning dedicated to overall health. Children listened to a story that focused on overall health. Next, they were guided through a yoga session led by certified instructor Jennifer Jones.  As a Student Advisor in The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, Jones infused her passion for well-being into every stretch and pose, encouraging the children to find their balance both physically and mentally. Learning then moved outdoors, where Registered Dietitian Samantha Hahn, Ph.D. from the College of Medicine steered a healthy snack-making workshop. To wrap up the day, the children had the chance to listen to their heartbeat with the help of Payton Thibodeau, a graduate student in Exercise Physiology. This unique activity allowed them to connect with their bodies in a new way, sparking curiosity about how their cardiovascular systems work. This engaging event provided children with age-appropriate activities in hopes of inspiring them to embrace healthy habits, enhance their love for going to the library, and exposing them to health professions.

The Ionia Community Library provides free access to books, audiobooks, DVDs, computer use, ebooks, and more. It’s become a resource to the community by providing summer meals, educational series, and a safe space in the community to learn and grow.

This initiative was made possible by the generous support of Gary and Barbara Russell. Both Gary and Barbara are proud two-time alumnus from Central Michigan University. They are passionate about the health professions, and the value libraries bring to communities.