The Health Academy at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) celebrated its 10th annual Diabetes and Health Screening at the school. Over 680 students were tested for signs of diabetes, blood pressure, height and weight, and body mass index. Students were also given a brief lifestyle assessment to determine if they are on the right path to a healthy lifestyle.
MLEC’s Health Academy students, along with NOVA Southeastern University (NSU) College of Allied Health Sciences, worked together to test students. The “mini physical” alerts students, showing signs of possible physical ailments, the opportunity to see his or her family physician for early intervention to life threatening diseases.
This hands-on learning tradition was started with an idea by former teacher Neil Eichelbaum (now retired) and Health Academy leader Glenda Algaze.
MLEC is an academy based educational structure. Students select a career pathway and take courses toward entering the world of employment rather than “elective” courses. As members of the Health Academy, many students plan on becoming doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, first responders, EMT’s, or other medical professionals.
The school also offers adult educational classes on campus including training that leads to an LPN degree.
“Our mission became one of change, to help our students get on the right path to good health, and share what we were doing with other,” said Eichelbaum. The partnership with NSU’s College of Allied Health Sciences is unique to MLEC. No other high school has a screening program with this magnitude or hands-on learning.
“This opportunity is incredible as our students get to apply skills learning in the classroom as well as learn about what will be expected of them when they enter college to study for health related careers,” Algaze said.
Tatiana Alectine is a junior in MLEC’s Health Academy and said, “I believe the Diabetes Screening is a great way to enlighten students about making positive lifestyle changes and in some circumstances, to save lives. It also opened my eyes to see certain skills I will need to obtain while studying for my career in medicine.”