National University welcomed families with children of all ages last weekend at the inaugural Healthy Kids Open House at the Lombard campus.

The day started with lectures in child psychology, brain health and healthy eating along with all-day clinic tours and popular interactive classes in yoga and tai-chi for children. The nice weather allowed children to play outdoor games organized by NUHS interns including a sack race and a healthy habits bucket game provided by the DuPage County Department of Health. The Lombard Fire Department provided a fire truck on site for children to learn about and explore.

Families visited with various health and children-related exhibitors that participated in the Open House including Health Track Sports and Wellness, Oberweis, Prairie Food Co-Op, U.S. Martial Arts of Glen Ellyn, Shiny Strands Hair Salon, InMotion Foot and Ankle Centers and Life Options. Families also had the opportunity to take photos with M&S photography.

NUHS graduate Candace Mathers, who brought her two children, said she enjoyed the free tai-chi and other interactive activities that were healthy, fun and informative.  “The university has so much to offer,” she said. “We should do more to let the community know what we have here.”

In addition to listening to lectures, parents had the chance to chat with our natural medicine experts one-on-one. The event featured clinical psychologist Robert Shiel, DC, Michelle Ennsman, DC, ND, chief clinician of naturopathic medicine, and naturopathic medicine instructors Jamine Blesoff, ND, and Jennifer Green, ND. To keep the focus on summer safety, a representative from the Illinois Poison Control Center was on hand at an info table with resources. Their spring and summer brochures were also given to all attendees.

Kelly Fuechtmann who came with her 5-year-old son, found the talks particularly beneficial. “The lectures helped show [my child] Isaac the importance of healthy eating and reinforced some of the healthy habits we already have,” she said.

Fraser Smith, ND, assistant dean of the naturopathic medicine program, who organized the event, plans to hold another Healthy Kids Open House event next year with many of the same learning activities geared toward keeping children in optimal health.

“The event was a great way to enhance our connection with the local community and inform them about natural medicine,” Dr. Smith said. “We were thrilled to share our beautiful campus with local families.”

The NUHS Whole Health Center in Lombard offers several natural and non-invasive health services for children and adults in chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, oriental medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, diagnostic imaging and massage therapy. To schedule an appointment at the clinic, call (630) 629-9664.