To Good Health!

By Larissa Lytwyn

Newtown High School junior Lauren Borruso has always been interested in helping others.

“I’ve always been drawn to the health field,” she said, noting that her father, a surgeon, could have been an influence. “I’m interested in pursuing nursing, or maybe psychology, after high school.”

Last year Lauren became involved with the newly formed Health Career Club, founded by Career Center school-to-career coordinator Peg Ragaini and the school’s nursing staff, including Pat Phillipp, RN.

“We decided it was something necessary to do in response to the nationwide nursing shortage,” explained Ms Phillipp. “We thought we could help students interested in a health career get started by doing internships and other activities to learn more about the field.”

Last spring the Health Career Club helmed its first-ever schoolwide Health Day, featuring appearances by health officials and massage therapists.

All of the health officials who attended volunteered their time to appear.

“The club is not expensive at all to run,” said Ms Phillipp. “Everything we do is coordinated through the school itself.” Highlights from last spring’s Health Day, for example, included extra-healthy entrees, such as roasted turkey breast and mixed vegetables.

“We’ve already begun planning for our second Health Day, scheduled for March,” said Lauren.

Since becoming involved with the Health Career Club, Lauren has pursued an internship at New Milford Hospital’s Children’s Medical Center.

She is also active in helping the club raise money for a defibrillator for the school. Easy-to-operate defibrillators are essential tools to help save a person undergoing cardiac arrest.

“So far, we’ve had a Krispy Kreme donut sale and we are in the process of organizing other fundraisers,” said Lauren.

Lauren is among the club’s half-dozen members. “It can be difficult to have people attend meetings regularly because of sports or other obligations,” Lauren acknowledged.

However, she said she is grateful for the support of Ms Ragaini, Ms Phillipp, and other school staff. “I really think Health Day is a great time,” she said.

To make a monetary donation towards the defibrillator, send check or cash to Newtown High School, C/O AED Donation, Career Center, 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook. For more information about the Health Career Club, contact Ms Ragaini at 426-7646.