The Shorthorn - Health fair eases concerns, forms connections and stresses awareness

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Health fair eases concerns, forms connections and stresses awareness

Written by Monica S. Nagy, The Shorthorn staff

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 07:50 PM

Sitting on a bench in the University Center Palo Duro Lounge, Jillissa Liggins was completely relaxed on Wednesday.

“My mind has been cleared and now I’m motivated to go back to class,” she said.

Donning newly painted nails, a temporary tattoo and a huge grin, the business management sophomore was one of many students who attended the Student Health Advisory Committee Fun In The Sun Health Fair.

Students crowded the lounge on Wednesday to participate in the activities offered at the annual fair: most popular being free manicures offered by Ogle beauty school students from Dallas, body mass index testing and blood pressure check-ups through the Medical Center of Arlington and free supplements provided by The Vitamin Shoppe.

Sunny Sayyaparaju, management and finance sophomore, expressed a personal concern for getting his blood pressure checked.

“My family has a history of high blood pressure,” he said. “Through these health fairs, students can set a precautionary path.”

SHAC sponsored the event and its members helped coordinate, volunteer and pass out raffle tickets for prizes. SHAC communication adviser Donielle Smith said SHAC serves as a channel between the Health Center and students.

While the event provided opportunities for students to interact with vendors such as Carter BloodCare, Tarrant County Public Health and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, some students saw the event as an opportunity to network.

Black Student Association member Corey Prados said that the fair this year placed more emphasis on community involvement and health awareness.

“Where you will be 10 years from now is predicated upon who you meet and the connections you make,” the business sophomore said.

The event came to an end with the calling off of raffle tickets, students clutching their tickets hoping to get the grand prize — a gift basket including a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. A loud gasp came from SHAC member Melvin Varughese when they called out his name.

“I can’t believe I actually won, I never win anything,” he said.

Nursing freshman Courtney Lovan said the fair appealed to her because it was free, no strings attached. The event took away a lot of my stress, she said.

Yvonne Medrano, the health center’s communications assistant, said the event offered a “one-stop shop” for the students and that is why she thinks the turnout is increasing. Next year she said they would try to hold the fair at the Bluebonnet Ballroom, providing more room for the growing crowd.

After a satisfying experience, Liggins said she plans to attend next year.

“It was a slice of heaven,” she said.

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