The Clarion University Health Science Education Center's (HSEC) 4th Annual Employee Wellness Fair was very successful.
Eighty employees attended the fair, which incorporated the theme "Stay healthy, stay fit," in the Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose room. Thirty-five to 45 employees signed up for the Get Fit Clarion program and an additional 25 signed up to participate in the aqua exercise and power flex program.
"Get Fit Clarion" is HSEC's equivalent of the Shape Up Pennsylvania program. Over 150 Clarion University employees participated last year. Sign ups may still be completed by calling HSEC at (814) 227-1901 or online at http://www.clarionhsec.com.
At the same time in another part of the Gemmell Student Complex student members of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) passed out T-shirts and cold turkey subs in exchange for tobacco products. Many additional students signed up to be members of SWAT, a project sponsored by Clarion University's Keeling Health Center.
The Employee Wellness Fair is trying to encourage the faculty, staff, and administrators of Clarion University to be a model of wellness, especially for the students.
Nancy Falvo, director of HSEC, reports that there is a direct connection between academic success and health in grades K-12 and colleges.
Among the many wellness models HSEC uses a model that looks at the connection between the mind, body, work, social, and spiritual dimensions."
Participants at the Fair could take advantage of various health screenings including cholesterol, glucose, and vision screenings, information about fitness and stress management techniques, smoking cessation information, drug and alcohol programs, yoga and meditation demonstrations and Zumba classes. Medical professionals including a dermatologist, a chiropractor, and a dentist attended.
The participating vendors include Adagio, American Red Cross, Women's Healthcare, Clarion County YMCA, Keeling Health Center, Sapphire Moon, Simply Skin, Dr. Gwen Eaker, Laurel Eye Clinic, Marcy Schleuter, Crawford Chiropractic Center, Clarion Hospital, Blindness and Visual Services, Clarion County Drug and Alcohol, Clarion County Counseling Center, SAFE, Relay for Life, Clarion Rehabilitation Center, American Cancer Society, Clarion Chiropractic Life Center, American Heart Association, Wellness Health Option, Clarion University Counseling Services, American Diabetic Association, Master/Clinical /hypnotherapist, psychologist/ hypnotherapist, and an acupuncturist.
A new feature was the "Eat This; Not That: contest, a guessing game to demonstrate which foods are better for you and why. Participants were also eligible to win hundreds of door prizes and sample some healthy, nutritious lunchtime snacks.
Falvo, along with the help of the PASSHE chancellor's office and the Department of Health, developed Clarion University's HSEC. One of only four centers in Pennsylvania, Clarion University's HSEC serves nine counties to promote healthy lifestyles rough interactive educational programs for school-aged children within a 40 mile radius. Local programs are also delivered for college students and other adults. During the last three years, the HSEC has also begun working with the University employees to improve their fitness and nutritional status.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
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