The Student Affiliates of the American Chemistry Society (SAACS) and the Kentucky Lake section of the American Chemical Society are to focus on the National Chemistry Week (NCW) theme and outreach to schools and scouts during the week of Oct. 17-23. The NCW theme for this year is health and wellness. All events are free and open to the public. There will be an informational seminar on health issues at 7 p.m., Oct. 17, featuring several speakers. Lora McDonald, Volunteer Community Wellness director, will discuss the importance of exercise.
Jo Aden, associate professor of nursing, will speak about nutrition and preventative health care. Minesh Patel and Charles Orton, SAACS members, will present demonstrations and explain the chemistry behind clinical tests. The week will continue on Oct. 19-20, with magic shows by SAACS, for Westview High School and for Primary schools. The free health fair, which is the biggest event of the week, will be from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Oct. 21, in the UC. UTM nursing students and Community Wellness Center staff will administer blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests and 10-item urinalysis. The materials for the health fair will be provided by ACS. Following the health fair at 7 p.m., student affiliates from area colleges will present a variety of chemistry demonstrations. UTM SAACS will conduct a Science-in-Action Clinic for Girl Scouts from 9 a.m.- noon, Oct. 23. Scouts will earn badges while attending the clinic. For more information, contact S. K. Airee at 731-881-7454 or skairee@utm.edu or contact Jamey Attaway at 731-668-1122 or jameyattaway@gsreelfoot.org.