Over the past two weeks, people visited the New York State Fair to relax and have some fun.
Sam Tenney / The Citizen
Phyllis Johnson, left, a project manager with the New York State Department of Health, coaches Caleigh Koss, 12, of Oriskany, in playing a skiing video game on the Wii at the state fair on Monday, Aug. 31.
Phyllis Johnson, left, a project manager with the New York State Department of Health, coaches Caleigh Koss, 12, of Oriskany, in playing a skiing video game on the Wii at the state fair on Monday, Aug. 31.
But for state health organizations and agencies, it was two weeks of work to try and get their messages across to the thousands of people visiting every day while making sure the event is as safe and healthy as possible.
This is especially true for the New York State Department of Health, which has a strong presence at the fair every year. The department had one of the largest health-related displays at the fair, not only providing information about dozens of state programs and giveaways, but also showcasing how technology and fitness come together.
At the same time, health department workers provided emergency support, water and food service protection and hygiene services.
Some of the most popular spots in the health area were interactive video games that show you don't have to be lazy to be a gamer. Young and old alike stopped to play a downhill skiing game on Nintendo's Wii system. And with the “Wii Fit” station, they controlled the action by actually moving their hips and legs as they traversed the hill.
In another booth was the popular game “Dance Dance Revolution,” which forces players to step on a pad to the beat of the songs. Also in the area was a digital rowing machine, a height-weight scanner and an informational exhibit about the H1N1 virus.
According to the state Health Department, thousands of people stop by every year to play the games. The idea, according to the health department, is to promote physical activities.
Feedback from fairgoers was extremely positive this year, one spokesperson said.
“The response has been tremendous,” Beth Goldberg of the department said in an e-mail.
“The fair connects us in different ways to the public,” Goldberg continued, “and best of all, it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase promote the department's very important and vital programs and initiatives.”
Chaz Kozz, 14, and his sister Kaleigh, 12, both from Oriskany, stopped by one day at the fair to try their legs on the games.
For Chaz, it was the first time he skied on the Wii. Kaleigh said she had played it before, but it was the first time she got to use the Wii's Balance Board.
“It's a lot of fun,” Kaleigh said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
This is especially true for the New York State Department of Health, which has a strong presence at the fair every year. The department had one of the largest health-related displays at the fair, not only providing information about dozens of state programs and giveaways, but also showcasing how technology and fitness come together.
At the same time, health department workers provided emergency support, water and food service protection and hygiene services.
Some of the most popular spots in the health area were interactive video games that show you don't have to be lazy to be a gamer. Young and old alike stopped to play a downhill skiing game on Nintendo's Wii system. And with the “Wii Fit” station, they controlled the action by actually moving their hips and legs as they traversed the hill.
In another booth was the popular game “Dance Dance Revolution,” which forces players to step on a pad to the beat of the songs. Also in the area was a digital rowing machine, a height-weight scanner and an informational exhibit about the H1N1 virus.
According to the state Health Department, thousands of people stop by every year to play the games. The idea, according to the health department, is to promote physical activities.
Feedback from fairgoers was extremely positive this year, one spokesperson said.
“The response has been tremendous,” Beth Goldberg of the department said in an e-mail.
“The fair connects us in different ways to the public,” Goldberg continued, “and best of all, it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase promote the department's very important and vital programs and initiatives.”
Chaz Kozz, 14, and his sister Kaleigh, 12, both from Oriskany, stopped by one day at the fair to try their legs on the games.
For Chaz, it was the first time he skied on the Wii. Kaleigh said she had played it before, but it was the first time she got to use the Wii's Balance Board.
“It's a lot of fun,” Kaleigh said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
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