Health Matters

Annual Health Fair

By Cynthia Gross

The Bowie State University Henry Wise Student Health and Wellness Center on April 8 will host its 32^nd annual health and wellness R. A. L. L. Y. (Raise Awareness for a Long Life Year-Round) day from noon until 3 p.m. in the Theodore McKeldin Gym. 

The health fair, sponsored by the Henry Wise Wellness Center, the Maryland Center Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) Program, and the Prince George's County Health Department's Tobacco Control Program, is a part of the wellness center's proactive approach to promote a healthy lifestyle among both the university and local communities. 

Attendees will be eligible to receive free screenings that are not typically covered under the university's insurance, including, but not limited to, vision, dental, and hearing, and also cholesterol, kidney function, glucose, glaucoma, and blood pressure tests. 

The Prince George's County Health Department will provide exams for various sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. For males, the National Male Minority Health Program will offer carotid ultrasounds, a painless procedure that determines the extent of plaque buildup in the carotid arteries in the neck, too much of which can lead to a stroke. And, women will be able to register for mammogram referrals.

Additional vendors offering preventive care services include the American Heart Association, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program, Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Center, Laurel Hospital, and the Anne Arundel Medical Center. Visitors will be able to register for free giveaways, insurance, and over-the-counter drug coverage through Priority Partners and State Farm insurance companies.

Additionally, through interactive fitness sessions, including Kung Fu, aerobics, yoga, and Spinning classes, and nutrition, tobacco, and alcohol presentations, demonstrations, and simulations, hosted in part by the wellness center staff, attendees will be able to be active participants in the health fair. 

The Henry Wise Wellness Center's health and wellness day promises to be a worthwhile and rewarding event that will educate individuals about major global health issues and preventive coping methods.  Nutritious refreshments will be provided.  Most importantly, the goal of health awareness is to enable individuals to take responsibility for their own health prior to the onset of preventable diseases.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use the following free tobacco cessation resources:  The State Department of Health's Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT NOW), Maryland STOPS (Students Together Organizing Prevention Strategies) website (www.marylandstops.com), American Lung Association: Freedom from Smoking Facilitator Training (www.ffsonline.org/) and are also welcome to join the wellness center's tobacco cessation and weight management programs that are currently offered on campus.

Please call 301-860-4170 or visit www.bowiestate.edu/groups/hwwc.asp to stay informed about upcoming events sponsored by the Henry Wise Student Health and Wellness Center and to take advantage of the services the staff - Dr. Rita Wutoh, Medical Director; Li Lin Chiu, Nurse Practitioner; Debra Walker, RN - offers.