Wellness Fair Showcases NEIU Health Services, Encourages Healthy Lifestyles

By Igor Studenkov

On March 11, 2011

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On Thursday, February 24, Northeastern Illinois University's Campus Recreation Center presented the Fifth Annual Wellness Fair. The fair showcased various athletic organizations, health service organizations

and healthcare providers that are based either on campus or in the surrounding neighborhoods. The students were encouraged to pay closer attention to their help and to take advantage of the health-related opportunities that were available to them.

University organizations accounted for more than half of the fair exhibiters. The Counseling Office set up a table with information about personal counseling and other mental health services available on campus. The Counseling Office representatives made a point of reminding students that they can use the mental health services for free. The boxing club representatives offered short boxing lessons and sold protein bars and energy drinks. The NEIU Eaglettes Dance Team, a cheering and dancing team, sold pastries and performed routines as they proudly informed that they will be an opening act for the April 7, 2011 Bollywood dance show. Students from one of the university's Pre-Health classes presented their projects – memory games that required the fair attendees to match the definitions to medical terms. The games were geared to help the attending students recognize sleeping disorders and the ways in which lack of proper sleep can adversely impact every aspect of their lives. Finally, the Campus Recreation Center employees were registering students for the upcoming Golden Eagle 5K run. It will take place on Sunday, May 1 at 9 a.m. at the NEIU campus.

In addition to university organizations, the fair played host to a number of health-related organizations and businesses. Airborne Inc, the maker of the controversial Airborne dietary supplements, offered samples of its' products. Swedish Covenant Hospital representatives advertised their services and offered

free blood pressure tests to students. The Swedish Covenant Hospital has been a Northwest Side institution for 120 years, and it has been providing services to NEIU students for as long as the university existed. Finally, Vive en Forma, a year-old non-profit health organization, offered health advice and organized a 3:15 p.m. Zumba Party. The organization works to combat obesity in Chicago's Hispanic-American communities. Their services includebody mass index screenings, strength training and advice on how to make the traditional Latin American meals healthier.

The Wellness Fair also played host to a number of activities. Various fitness classes were held throughout the day, including Yoga stretching, spin and total body conditioning. Throughout the course of the fair, students could take advantage of free massages on the second floor. There were only two massage tables in use at any given time, so, during the busier times, students had to wait in line to get their turn.