SVSU hosted its 12th annual Wellness Fair in the O’Neill Arena on Wednesday, March 29.
The event included 61 vendors from the Great Lakes Bay Region, including SVSU student organizations such as the Student Exercise Science Association, Athletic Training Club and Student Nursing Association. The Wellness Fair had 324 people in attendance, including SVSU students and staff.
Director of Student Wellness Andrea Hamlin said she was happy with the outcome.
“I was definitely pleased with the fair,” she said. “It continues to grow each year with vendors and participants, so that is a good sign. I am always happy to see people express an interest in bettering their health.”
Students were also pleased that the event included multiple aspects of wellness.
“It seems like a very diverse group,” said Wellness Intern Jack Duly. “Since there are many different dimensions of wellness, there definitely seems to be that representation here.”
Senior exercise science student Geena Militello has served as the Healthy U Intern for over a year and is one of the main coordinators of the event along with Director of Human Resources Cynthia Bala. According to Militello, the event ran smoothly.
Preparations were done preceding the event, including placing booth labels, arranging tables and covering tables with tablecloths.
One of the vendors new to the Wellness Fair was Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Their vendor’s booth included a prize wheel that attendees could spin to win Sky Zone merchandise such as sunglasses, bracelets, water bottles and backpacks.
Manager of Sky Zone Blake Anderson was excited to participate in the Wellness Fair.
“We go to schools all the time, so this was right up our alley,” he said. “We are trying to help keep everybody active.”
In terms of student organizations, the Student Nurses Association’s table performed free blood pressure tests, and nursing students ran the table while educating participants about healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The Wellness Fair included many presentations as well, including Wendy Brand’s “Seven Simple Steps to a Happier and Healthier 2017.”
Hamlin also presented at the Wellness Fair and received positive feedback from attendees.
“From what I have heard, many people said the information was helpful and practical,” she said. “I was asked quite a few questions regarding the strength training presentation. I believe many people have the desire to know the benefits of strength training but just don’t know where to start.”
Many prizes were awarded to attendees, and the grand prizes were two bicycles, donated by Bicycle Village, won by Laurie Allison and Mandy Brown. Other prizes awarded included a Fitbit Flex2, Cardinal Fitness Pass, Sky Zone family fun pack and a 60-minute massage at Tri-City Chiropractic.
