2008 Woodie Awards
Wellness fair challenges SHU to 'Spring Into Wellness'
Students are taught how to practice a healthy lifestyle
Courtney Perlee
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News
With a high of 72 degrees last Thursday, several students celebrated the warm weather by eating lunch outside or by visiting the beach. Still, many students, faculty, and staff members decided to "spring" into the nice weather by learning how to make healthy lifestyle changes.
On Thursday, Apr. 10, Sacred Heart University's annual wellness fair, "Spring Into Wellness," was held in the University Commons (UC). In the faculty lounge, participants provided information on prevalent health topics and mammograms were also available for female employees who pre-registered.
"The turnout was better than we expected," said Shelia Wheeler, RN, director of health services. While there were no official numbers, Wheeler estimated that close to 200 people attended, commenting that she was pleased with the "constant flow" of students and employees she saw circulating around the UC.
Sophomore Chrissy Pecoraro was in charge of greeting students and employees as they entered the UC. Pecoraro said she laughed when she saw people walking in with cookies and out with water and fruit provided by FLIK dining services. Nutrition was one of the topics covered by the Employee Wellness Program and health services, as well as the American Diabetes Association.
However, the most surprising information provided to Pecoraro was in the form of a display provided by the American Lung Association. The display was of a jar of phlegm from a smoker with emphysema.
"It was so gross," said Pecoraro. "If I were a smoker, I would have quit because of it."
Maryellen Bolcer from St. Vincent's Medical Center, displayed two lungs preserved in formaldehyde, contrasted by the results of emphysema and lung cancer- one was an off white color, and the other was completely gray and black, with spots of pink cancer cells.
For students who smoke and were affected by the idea of lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory problems, Bolcer offered assistance with tips for quitting, as well as reminding students of an upcoming lecture on Wednesday, Apr. 23, at 5 p.m. also in the UC.
On Thursday, Apr. 10, Sacred Heart University's annual wellness fair, "Spring Into Wellness," was held in the University Commons (UC). In the faculty lounge, participants provided information on prevalent health topics and mammograms were also available for female employees who pre-registered.
"The turnout was better than we expected," said Shelia Wheeler, RN, director of health services. While there were no official numbers, Wheeler estimated that close to 200 people attended, commenting that she was pleased with the "constant flow" of students and employees she saw circulating around the UC.
Sophomore Chrissy Pecoraro was in charge of greeting students and employees as they entered the UC. Pecoraro said she laughed when she saw people walking in with cookies and out with water and fruit provided by FLIK dining services. Nutrition was one of the topics covered by the Employee Wellness Program and health services, as well as the American Diabetes Association.
However, the most surprising information provided to Pecoraro was in the form of a display provided by the American Lung Association. The display was of a jar of phlegm from a smoker with emphysema.
"It was so gross," said Pecoraro. "If I were a smoker, I would have quit because of it."
Maryellen Bolcer from St. Vincent's Medical Center, displayed two lungs preserved in formaldehyde, contrasted by the results of emphysema and lung cancer- one was an off white color, and the other was completely gray and black, with spots of pink cancer cells.
For students who smoke and were affected by the idea of lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory problems, Bolcer offered assistance with tips for quitting, as well as reminding students of an upcoming lecture on Wednesday, Apr. 23, at 5 p.m. also in the UC.
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