Just in time for American Heart Month, the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Mississippi University for Women will raise the community’s awareness by hosting its annual health fair Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The health fair, which is free and open to the public, will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Pohl Gym. This year’s theme is Health is Always in Season.
“The choices we make to attain better health don’t happen only on one day, such as New Year’s Day, before summer (bikini season) or next Monday. The choices we make are daily ones and year-round,” said Dr. Irene Pintado, associate professor of health education at The W.
As in previous years, the health fair will provide visitors with the opportunity to speak with representatives from a variety of participating health and wellness-related organizations.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to have some basic health screenings such as hearing, visual acuity and glaucoma, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, cholesterol, spinal health, grip strength and flexibility screenings. All participants should wear comfortable clothing. Individuals who plan to get cholesterol and blood sugar screenings are required to fast after midnight before the fair.
Dr. Chad Murphy, assistant professor of health education, said, “Health should be something we think about daily. We tend to think about health in terms of losing weight, dropping a waist size and getting six-pack abs. In reality, health encompasses much more than our physical appearance.”
He added, “Overall, I would like the participants in this year’s health fair to gain a great awareness of their personal health, and to know that working toward a healthier self should be a lifestyle, rather than a one-time, quick fix.”
For more information, contact Dr. Pintado or graduate assistant Kenneth Durroh, who is in the health education program, at 662-329-7225.
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