The Ohio State community is invited to attend a free women's health fair today in celebration of Women's Health Month. The event is not just for women - men are encouraged to participate.
"This is the first time we've had a campus-wide health fair that addresses everybody on campus," said prospective health care program manager Patrice Rancour.
The health fair will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center. It will include an expert-led panel discussion on body image, information tables from various health groups and healthy food demonstrations.
At the heart of the event the panel discussions will "facilitate informal conversation between panelists and participants who show up with questions," Rancour said.
Panels will be broken down into three categories. One issue that will be discussed is the controversial human papillomavirus vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer.
"The women's health event stems from a group of people who meet on a monthly basis, the wellness collaborative," said Janele Bayless, wellness coordinator and registered dietitian.
The purpose of the event is "to come together and raise and improve awareness of women's health issues," she said.
Tables will be set up by organizations including Weight Watchers, Counseling and Consultation Services and the Sleep Disorder Clinic.
"Sleep is another thing students struggle to get enough of," Bayless said.
Free food will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis, Rancour said. The cooking demonstrations will teach "how to make healthy salads and meals," Bayless said.
Rancour said many health- related habits such as diet that start during childhood do not have to be life-defining. With raised awareness and practice, there is still time to cultivate a healthy lifestyle.
"If your father had a heart attack at age 40, it doesn't mean you will," Rancour said.
Jacob Donham can be reached at donham.2@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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