Only the material pertaining to breastfeeding has been quoted; the rest has been deleted. HEADLINE: HEALTH FAIR OFFERS BIOLOGY LESSONS FOR KIDS BYLINE: Ted Saylor. Pritchett School 3rd graders got a chance last week to walk away from their normal classroom lessons on the human body and explore such issues as disease research and the benefits of breast-feeding with real medical professionals as part of the school's health fair. Twelve medical professionals, ranging from a registered dietitian to a pediatrician, held mini-seminars for the 3rd-grade pupils who wandered from room to room Wednesday for the annual event held in conjunction with the pupils' study of anatomy and body functions. ...[text deleted here]... Registered nurse Gail Macklin, a lactation consultant, spoke to the small groups of children about the health benefits to mothers and babies of breast-feeding. Macklin did not describe or demonstrate breast-feeding. "Our bodies are such fabulous machines; we make the best milk for babies," Macklin said. Studies have proved that babies who breast-feed stay healthier and that their mothers have a substantially reduced chance of developing breast cancer, she said. "What if a baby does not want to breast-feed? " asked 9-year-old Nancy Kazarinova. "My mother says I didn't want to be breast-fed." Macklin said breast-feeding is a natural act for a baby, so if an infant refuses to do it, the mother's technique may be wrong. "People should breast-feed babies as long as they can," said 8-year-old Rebecca Marton about what she learned from Macklin's mini-class. "It is better for your mommy." The health fair gave the children a chance to question a variety of other medical professionals, including an anesthesiologist, a chiropractor, a respiratory therapist, a paramedic and registered nurses. Third-grade teacher Terri Bufe said the health fair was the culmination of the pupils' study of the body and gave them an opportunity to meet the professionals who help keep the human machine running. Copyright 1996 Chicago Tribune Company February 5, 1996 Monday Arly Helm [log in to unmask] (MS, Nutrition & Food Sciences, CLE, IBCLC; LC for IHC)