‘Health Rocks’ for youth meetings at Madison Public Library

“Health Rocks,” a program designed by National 4-H, will be presented on June 17 and 26 at 5 p.m. at Madison Public Library. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – An upbeat, informative session will interest young people when “Health Rocks” comes to Madison Public Library.

“Health Rocks” will be presented on June 17 and 26 at 5 p.m.

This session is associated with the teenagers’ summer reading program, “Spark a Reaction.” Children, eight years and older, and teenagers are welcome to attend. The session is free.

“Health Rocks” “will encourage children and teens to adopt healthy behaviors and avoid drugs, tobacco and alcohol,” youth services librarian Rebecca Doom said. National 4-H developed the curriculum that many schools, camps and youth programs are using.

“Results from surveys from the past two years suggest that, after participating in this program, children feel they have learned new skills, and they plan to avoid risky behaviors,” Doom said.

During a discussion about health dangers of smoking, participants will learn about different chemicals inside cigarettes. They will complete activities “that symbolize the deterioration of lung health after years of extensive smoking,” Doom said.

In addition, the session will warn against substance abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

Donna Gullatte, Urban Regional Extension Agent, will lead the lectures. 4-H teens will help with other activities. The session will offer a good mix of lecture and hands-on exercises.

4-H is a community of 7 million young people around the world who learn leadership, citizenship and life skills. In the United States, 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service in 3,000-plus local offices implement 4-H programs.

More than 50 other countries have independent organizations that manage 4-H work.

For more information, call 256-461-0046, email to madison@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org/madison or Facebook/Madison Public Library.