By the Center for Student Wellness
On Thursday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., the Center for Student Wellness and Campus Recreation Services will hold the annual Student Wellness Fair at the Student Life Center. The fair will offer wellness screenings and consultations, healthy snacks, prizes and more—all free with a valid UCard.
“Often, students don’t realize the impact their wellness has on their ability to be successful at the University of Utah, but it is directly connected,” said Katie Stiel, program manager of the Center for Student Wellness. “Typically when we hear the word ‘wellness’ we tend to think of only physical activity or nutrition, but wellness is multifaceted.”
The Wellness Fair provides resources for students to enhance their personal wellness in all areas of life: intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, financial, environmental and emotional. It is a chance for students to engage in screenings and activities focused on improving their health and wellness. At this year’s fair, free screenings will include:
- Flu shots (students only)
- STD/HIV testing (students only)
- Dental hygiene exams
- Depression screenings
- Fitness classes and personal training consultations
- Nutrition counseling, demonstrations and samples
- Wellness coaching consultations
- Body fat tests
- Sun damage checks
- Blood pressure and glucose tests
Representatives from across campus and from the community will also be available to discuss resources related to all dimensions of wellness as well as providing giveaways.
According to data from the 2015 National College Health Assessment, the top issues that impact students academically are stress, anxiety, sleep, work and depression. Additionally, only 50 percent of University of Utah students received a flu vaccine in the past 12 months, 48 percent of students do not meet recommended guidelines for exercise and more than 90 percent of students do not eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.
The Center for Student Wellness would like to see these trends change and encouraged students to be proactive about their health and wellness.
“The Wellness Fair is a wonderful opportunity for students to begin to think about how their health impacts their ability to succeed, and begin taking positive steps to make informed choices,” said Stiel.