Alcorn State University’s (ASU) Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation hosted the 18th Annual Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, April 12th, from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex (New Gym). The purpose of this event was to make students aware of their health by providing tips, information and do’s and don’ts of how to remain healthy. This event was open to the public.
There were more than 10 health promotion companies in attendance to provide vital health information such as Active Minds Alcorn State University, Jefferson Comprehensive Health Center, Compudoc Inc. of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, NSpire Network, Military Sciences, Families First for Mississippi, Alcorn State Counseling Center, Healthy Holmes Mississippi and Guardian Sexual Assault Center to name a few. Students, faculty, as well as members of the surrounding communities were able to learn insightful information about feminine care, strengthening family structure, suicide and dental hygiene.
The information provided by the health companies focused primarily on their intended audience which was college students. Some of the pamphlets that were given to the visitors of the Health Fair consisted of information dealing with eating disorders, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, obesity, insomnia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). An estimated 20 to 25 percent of college students have been infected or are carriers of STDs. Sexually active young adults have high rates of STDs because they do not use adequate protection and often do not seek medical attention. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) are some of the most common STDs among college students.
Larry Sanders, an Instructor in the Mass Communications Department at ASU stated, “The Health Fair is a very important event on the campus that informs students about things that directly affects them. I encourage anyone who has not visited the Health Fair to please attend. It could save your life.”