SRU encourages mindfulness of overall wellness through Healthfest

Andrew Green, a senior exercise science major from Lancaster recently evaluated the vertical jump of Hannah Kenawell, a senior exercise science major from Mc Donald. Students and faculty from SRU’s Department of Exercise Science will be participating in SRU’s Oct. 15 Healthfest.

Oct. 10, 2019

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — As colder temperatures arrive, so too will an abundance of colds, coughs and sore throats. With that in mind, organizers of Slippery Rock University's annual Healthfest hope that campus and community members alike will avail themselves of the free preventative services that will be offered by more than 60 exhibitors.

Healthfest will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 15, at the Aebersold Student Recreation Center.

Now in its 34th year, Healthfest offers students, faculty, staff and community members of all ages resources and information that will help them to better care for themselves mentally, physically and financially.

   STACK

"Our hope with this event is to try and bring better health and information to everyone, while also addressing those areas of people's lives that contribute to overall wellness, including things like financial wellness, which is a new component we're introducing this year," said Ryan Stack, assistant director of wellness at the Aebersold Recreation Center and Healthfest coordinator.

Sponsored by the Office of Campus Recreation, the event will offer nutrition counseling, drug and alcohol awareness, vision and blood pressure screenings, and more. Services are provided by various University departments, student organizations and external health service providers.

Participating campus groups include exercise science, public health and physical and health education, as well as the Student Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. Student groups, like the HOPE Peer Educators, Boost Peer Coaching and fitness-related groups like the Rock Powerlifting Club, will also have booths.

Community exhibitors include Giant Eagle, Walmart Vision Center, Lions Club International, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Western Southern Financial Group.

"(Participating) student (vendors) really get the opportunity to interact with the community in a way that is similar to what they'll be doing in the future, especially for some who might be presenting research," said Stack. "Being a part of Healthfest, gives them a chance to put classroom knowledge into practice."

Stack hopes that attendees will recognize that the ARC is more than just a place to lift weights or play basketball, but rather a place where individuals can pursue overall wellness.

"As a recreational center, some people think we're limited to addressing physical health, but we are just as concerned with personal, spiritual and financial wellbeing," he said. "There's no limit to what health and wellness can mean to an individual, so at an event like this, we hope we can address all those needs to some extent and give students and community members the resources they need for a healthier life."

For more information about Healthfest, contact Stack at 724.738.2924 or ryan.stack@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lesa Bressanelli | 724.738.2091 | lnb1009@sru.edu