By Chelsey Schweitzer
Senior Staff Writer
The CSUSM Wellness Fair was recently held in the USU ballroom in order to encourage students to focus on the choices they make and how these choices can impact their overall health and well-being.
On March 10, students gathered to attend the University’s Wellness Fair, which showcased a variety of locations that promote wellness and overall health. There were tables and stands that spanned a diverse spectrum of wellness, which included both physical health and mental health.
One such table was the Aware, Awake, Alive Program, which informed students about safe drinking, knowing personal limits and how to prevent alcohol poisoning in themselves and others. Another booth promoted the campus chapter of the national organization Active Minds, which both promoted student workshops that teach about proper nutrition and provided information on mental health and how it impacts students.
“[We] teach students that mental health impacts everybody and provide students with more information about mental health,” said Aeriell Woodhams, a freshman who worked at the Active Minds table during the fair.
In addition to the campus associated organizations, community organizations set up tables at the fair as well. These tables included various community food vendors, such as Jersey Mike’s subs, that informed students about the benefits of particular foods and how to make healthy choices when selecting food. In addition, other companies located in the community used the wellness fair to educate students about the various benefits of their services and how they can help to promote student health.
One such table belonged to the local branch of Massage Envy, where they informed students about the health benefits associated with facials and massages.
“[Massages] help increase blood circulation in the body and our massage clinic can help in dealing with sports injuries as well, while our facials promote skin health through hydration and antioxidants,” said Kate Corirossi and Dani Sanchez, Massage Envy Representatives. “In addition, we educate people on the benefits of massages and the importance of SPF and proper skin care.”
At the Wellness Fair, students were able to actively participate at many of the booths. Students could spin wheels to win various prizes, participate in wellness demonstrations and even take a picture with the campus mascot himself.
“[I enjoyed] the booth where they took your blood pressure. It was a fun hands-on experience,” said freshman Alexa Alvarez.
The tables offered a variety of information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many went beyond dietary techniques and encompassed other methods to promote wellness, such as the self-defense and LGBTQA tables.
“[I liked] the LGBTQA table the most because they talked about health and wellness through practicing safe sex,” said junior Anthony Kass.
Whether physical, mental or nutritional in nature, the Wellness Fair allowed for various programs and services to offer suggestions to students on how to live a healthier lifestyle, and further informed students of the services available to help them on the path to wellness.