An overall view of the 5th Annual Employee/Student Wellness Fair.

            A record turnout greeted the organizers of Clarion University's 5^th Annual Employee/Student Wellness Fair on Jan. 28 in the Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room. The fair is organized by the Clarion University Health Science Education Center and featured free health screenings, healthy snacks, fitness demonstrations, and door prizes.

            "This was definitely a good day to be healthy at Clarion," said Dr. Nancy Falvo, director of HSEC. "We had a record 252 participants."

Blood tests were offered at the Wellness Fair.

            HSEC kicked off Get Fit, Clarion 2010!, a team-oriented wellness program designed to help members establish healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity and improving nutritional habits. The Feb. 2-May 28 program is offered free to all participants.

            "As of Friday, we had an amazing 22 teams registered for this year's program," said Falvo. " There is still time for employees to register. Some teams are still looking for members but new teams can still be formed."
            Get Fit, Clarion 2010! provides peer support by working in teams of two to 10 employees and offers:  discounted recreation center memberships; $1 lap walking program all day, everyday at the recreation center, weekly newsletters filled with helpful nutrition and fitness information; free fitness classes throughout the program and prizes and give-aways.

            In conjunction with the Employee/Student Wellness Fair and Get Fit, Clarion 2010!, the HSEC is coordinating efforts for the Pound for Pound Challenge. This program is a movement to improve individual health while working to end hunger. Registrations were taken from those interested in losing one to 50 pounds by June 1.
            Statistics indicate that 57 percent of adults living in Pennsylvania are overweight or obese; 49.1 million Americans (including 16.7 million children) go to bed hungry each night; and both of these statistics are higher for residents living in rural areas.
            The Biggest Loser television program and partner Feeding America are sponsoring the Pound for Pound Challenge where participants pledge to lose weight while helping to feed their community. For every pound you pledge to lose, The Biggest Loser will donate 14 cents to Feeding America, enough to purchase one pound of food. These funds go directly to the local foodbank. In addition, if Clarion's story peaks their interest, the Biggest Loser producers with Bob and Jillian will visit Clarion and film our efforts.  
            Pennsylvania currently ranks 6th in the country for the PFP Challenge with 4,901 team members pledging 145,096 pounds.

            There is still time to register for both "Get Fit, Clarion!" and the "Pound for Pound Challenge." Contact the HSEC at (814) 227-1901 with any questions.

            One of the examples for weight loss at the Wellness Fair was a Zumbafest led by Ivonne Rodriguez of Pittsburgh. A 90-minute demonstration of the Zumba exercise program was presented.

 

Students sign-up for speech and hearing clinic activities.

Falvo credited Sandy Amsler, HSEC office manager, for organizing the Health Fair, and HSEC staff Cathi Wenner, Angie Harriett, Doug Watson, and Ron Radaker; and HSEC student workers La'Shawna and DeShawns McHenry for their efforts in making the event a success. She also thanked Shelly Williams, Clarion University Human Resources, for arranging Healthy U points for the employees attending the fair as well as points for participation in Get Fit, Clarion!

            Participating at the Wellness Fair were:  Clarion Hospital Houseworks, Clarion County Mental Health, Clarion County Drug and Alcohol, SAFE, F.L. Crooks & Co., Clarion University Speech and Hearing Clinic, American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation, Clarion University HSEC, Tobacco Cessation, Fitness and Nutrition, Women's Health, Get Fit Clarion/Biggest Loser, Clarion University Leadership Development, Aerobics by Diane, NAACP/"Eat This Not That," Clarion University Student Recreation Center, U.S. Census Bureau, Zumba by Ivonne Rodriguez of Pittsburgh, Clarion University Lift Every Voice, and Clarion University Career Service Center.

            Door prizes were provided by: C & A Trees, Walmart, Pizza Pub, Flynn's Tire, Daddy's, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, American Red Cross, Reconnecting Day Spa, Sage Meadows, CVS Pharmacy, Eat 'n Park, Wellness Health Options, Michelle's Café, Clarion University Book Store, Clarion County YMCA, The Tavern, Long John Silver's, Loomis, Bob's Sub Shop, Subway, Clarion Holiday Inn, County Seat, Dan Smith's Candies and Gifts, Domino's Pizza, Klingensmith Drug Store, Perkins Restaurant, Destinta Theatres, Sapphire Moon, F.L. Crooks & Co., and Clarion University HSEC.

            Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.