It’s hard for kids, or adults for that matter, to really understand what the dentist is doing in there when they’re working intently filling a cavity. And what the heck does asthma look like from inside your lungs?

These and many other questions about the incredible interworkings going on inside us will be answered by MEGA Body, the 50-foot-long special guest that will be on hand at Newtown’s 22nd Annual Health & Safety Fair — a free community health showcase and informational event, set for Saturday, October 3, from 9 am to 1 pm, at Newtown Middle School.

Organizers Dr Della Schmid, Mae Schmidle, Health District Director Donna Culbert, and Judy Blanchard, the school district’s Recovery Project Director and Newtown Prevention Council Co-Chair, are promising loads of free screenings, giveaways, raffles, family safety tips, and introductions to dozens of health and safety professionals.

Visitors to the Health & Safety Fair at Newtown Middle School will be greeted on the front lawn (weather permitting) by MEGA Body, a highly detailed larger-than-life, walk-through model of the entire human body that is as appropriate for kids as it is for adults, according to Ms Culbert.

She told The Newtown Bee that this exciting free exhibit is a wonderful way for anyone to experience the inner workings of various systems and individual parts of their bodies all at once, including how cavities form in your teeth and how asthma affects the lungs.

MEGA Body also covers 23 other areas of the body and common related health issues from the brain, to the stomach, the heart, lungs, bones, muscles, skin, even bone health. Healthy functioning is depicted, along with preventive measures to help avoid common diseases with an emphasis on healthy living, students will learn that the choices they make at an early age can have a huge effect on their well-being.

“And did we say it’s all free as it always has been?” Ms Culbert asked during a chat this week with The Newtown Bee. “And it’s basically a one-stop opportunity for anyone in Newtown to meet many of our local and regional community health partners who will be offering both traditional and alternative health screenings, information and demonstrations.”

As of September 23, the following health and safety organizations and agencies have committed to being on hand:

Acupuncture by Jim Fitzpatrick/Community Health Associates of Newtown

Almost Home Adult Daycare

American Red Cross

Aqua Environmental Lab

Bethel VNA – Know Your Numbers (cholesterol, blood lipids, and flu shots)

Children’s Adventure Center

CT Tick Control

Dental Associates

Drs Dudley, Condon & Golisano

Scot Goldberg, D.C. (posture analysis)

Family and Children’s Aid

Greenwood Physical Therapy (balance assessments)

Home Care Advantage, LLC

Kevin’s Community Center

Masonicare of Newtown

New Phase Wellness Wellness Coach Tina Long

Newtown Emergency Communications

Newtown Fire Companies

Newtown Foot Care

Newtown Health District

Newtown Lions Club (vision screening)

Newtown Parks and Recreation

Newtown Police Department

Newtown Prevention Council

Newtown Public Works

Newtown Social Services

Newtown Visiting Nurse Association

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance

Newtown Youth & Family Services

Dr Notaro (skin cancer screening)

Popowich Chiropractic & Acupuncturist

Porco’s Karate Academy

Dr Della Schmid, D.C.

SOPHIA Natural Health Center (cardio screening)

Voice for Joanie

Western CT Health Network (blood pressure)

Western CT Neurofeedback

“We always want residents thinking about, learning about, and actively engaging in improving and maintaining their health,” Ms Culbert said. “So whether it’s learning about their own numbers — cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI (body mass index), vision screening, skin cancer screening, getting a flu shot, finding specific care or learning about ways to better fuel and nurture their bodies and their brains, there is something for every Newtown resident at this year’s health fair.”

Even after the Health & Safety Fair closes, MEGA Body will remain available for people to visit until 3 pm. This interactive exhibit is being made available with support from the Newtown Prevention Council and a Drug Free Communities grant.

“It will be awesome,” Ms Culbert promised.

For more information, or to inquire about any remaining table top availability at the fair, contact Ms Culbert at the Newtown Health District, 203-270-4291 or e-mail donna.culbert@newtown-ct.gov.