Health Awareness Fair teaches important lessons

Almost 50 health vendors from the Springfield community and University of Illinois Springfield campus packed The Recreation and Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 for the annual Health Awareness Day Fair.

The day is designed to educate community members, students, faculty and staff about different health strategies and prevention methods. Participants received free screenings, nutrition counseling, and much more.

“We’re hoping this will be a great springboard that people will get some great information, some great tools that then they can use at home,” said Jill Stoops, UIS Campus Health Services Nurse Practitioner.

UIS sophomore Joseph Deveraux came to the fair not knowing what to expect, but left with the knowledge he needs to live healthier.

“I’m here just to take a look and try to figure out where I am health wise and this is a great place to do that,” said Deveraux. “Overall it’s been an excellent experience. I’ve learned a whole lot.”

Deveraux got his cholesterol checked, learned his blood type, and had his blood pressure measured. He also had a chiropractic evaluation and a free massage.

“I didn’t expect it to be this awesome,” said Brytani Young, a Springfield resident who attended the health fair. “There’s so much stuff I’ve learned from and different things I can start doing.”

At first Young could not figure out why the health fair featured a bank, but soon learned the importance of financial wellness. Several booths also taught the importance of mental wellness and offered disaster safety tips.

“There were some here I didn’t know why they were here, until I stepped to the booth and just kind of explained it a little bit,” said Young.

Participants also got to take part in group exercise demonstrations offered by UIS Recreational Sports on topics, such as Yoga, Will Power & Grace, Group Cycling, Interval Cross Training, and much more.

“You’re given one body and you’ve got to keep it for the rest of your life, so you might as well get the most out of it,” said Stoops.

For more information and health tips, contact UIS Campus Health Services at 217/206-6676 or visit www.uis.edu/healthservices/.