A lot of Sarah Bruce's friends get a little grossed out in science class when they're examining a real heart - or any other organ or major muscle, for that matter - and studying how it works.

"I'm fascinated by all that," Bruce said with a laugh. Circumstances have taught her to appreciate the body's inner workings.

A few years ago, Bruce underwent open-heart surgery to correct a malfunction in that oh-so-critical muscle.

As soon as doctors gave her the OK, she was back on the soccer field. She made the VIS all-state second team and All-Metro second team last year playing for Saint Gertrude High School. A senior this year, she's in the starting lineup again for the all-girls school.

A young woman like Bruce, who had her health and fitness threatened at an early age, is probably always going to be mindful of the choices she makes and how they affect her body.

But wouldn't it be great if all teenagers - and adults - would adopt a little more of that awareness?

That's the goal of Saint Gertrude's first health fair, to be held one week from today at the school. "Middle School to Middle Age: A Health Fair for Women and Girls" is open to the public.

Organizers are hoping that the fair will draw females from around the area, even those who have no link to Saint Gertrude.

"We're hoping some people will stop by after church," said Mike Woodson, Saint Gertrude's athletic director. Several churches are nearby in the city's Museum District.

Margie Shibley, director of admission, said the planners have worked hard to bring in a variety of vendors and advisers who could offer helpful tips to girls and women.

There will be nutrition talks, food and drink samples, skin-care specialists and self-defense workshops. Medical professionals will provide health screenings.

On the exercise front, there will be yoga classes, Zumba demonstrations, sports specialists and a class by the Latin Ballet.

Saint Gertrude, along with a lot of other area schools, has been putting more emphasis on health and fitness in and out of the classroom, Shibley said.

"It's very important," she said. The health fair is "just one of the outgrowths of our curriculum here."

Physical education classes used to be required only through 10th grade. Now, the way the requirements are set up, most girls take PE every year.

"We're trying to make sure the girls have a healthy lifestyle for the four years [of high school] and beyond," Shibley said.