Student Health Services is eager to see how many students will attend the 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair next Wednesday, April 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a theme of “Tune into Good Health,” all who attend will receive a free mini-radio with a set of head phones as they enter Alumni Hall.
Last year over 1,000 students came to the fair, and Kathryn Macaione, director of Student Health Services, hopes to draw an even larger crowd this year. The staff started planning the fair around November and looks forward to the variety of vendors coming to teach students about better health. Sheila Burke, assistant director of Student Health Services, and secretary Peggy Anderson played a major role in planning and executing this event.
Over fifty different vendors will demonstrate specific tests for better health, including cholesterol screenings, bone density tests, blood pressure testing, a percentage of body fat test and eye testing. General medical doctors, pharmacists, podiatrists, a chiropractor, a dentist, a masseuse and ophthalmologists from the greater New Haven area will talk with students and answer health questions.
The American Cancer Society will have a machine where students can put their face up to it and show the affect that sunlight and ultraviolet radiation has on our skin. The Hamden Police are bringing “drunken goggles” where you can see how different amounts of alcohol affect your vision and coordination. There will also be a group support system for women who have been victims of sexual assault and rape.
Other varieties of health and wellness will be at the fair to help students. Father Jon will give advice on spiritual health, Hudson United Bank will be talking about financial health and the counseling service will be doing stress tests.
“My main goal is to encourage students to take a better look at their bodies and how to maintain them better,” Macaione said.
With the help from student service organizations such as the nursing organization, Alphi Phi Omega and physician assistant students, the health and wellness fair is expected to be a success.
The first 1,000 students who come and fill out a survey will receive a free t-shirt. Everyone will be entered in a raffle to win all kinds of prizes, including a five CD stereo, a five-inch television, electric toothbrushes and a variety of gift certificates. Students are encouraged to attend and learn about their bodies and health while having fun and winning prizes.
