The Student Health Center is sponsoring a Health Fair with games and prizes Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Johnson Center and Popejoy Hall.
Kim Henson, a Student Health Center manager, said she and everyone involved in the fair want to encourage UNM students, staff and faculty to take care of their bodies.
“People are exercising less and less as time goes on,” Henson said. “We want people to be aware that if they start exercising early on in their life it will help them to enjoy a healthier future.”
Henson said the fair is designed to provide students with a fun way to learn about wellness, safety and exercise. The fair will include a variety of booths with games and prizes.
“We have a basketball game where people try to make a basket with and without a pair of fuzzy goggles that make them seem like they have had a few drinks,” Henson said.
This year, 28 organizations will set up booths, including the UNM Bookstore, New Mexico Aids Services and Gold’s Gym. Henson said free consultation about health and wellness will be available for the UNM community, as well as prizes for participating in health-related activities.
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“For example, we have hula-hoop contests, ping pong challenges and a climbing wall,” she said.
Rewards for participation in the games include shirts and hats from the UNM Bookstore, $10 Saggios gift certificates, memberships to participating fitness clubs and a grand prize drawing for two Southwest Airlines roundtrip passes.
“A lot of different organizations are contributing to the Health Fair,” Henson said. “A lot of people at the Student Health Center have also contributed a lot of time to this event which makes everything a lot easier.”
UNM student Micah Turner helped package free items for the fair.
“We’ve been putting together little bags of shampoo, sunscreen and healthy food,” Turner said. “I think this health fair is a good way to show students that the Student Health Center is concerned about their health and makes them aware of what we have to offer them.”
Henson said students need to remember the perks of exercising.
“A great aspect of exercise is that it reduces stress,” Henson said. “It especially helps students who are studying a lot and it’s a good way to meet other people as well. The benefits of exercising in general include being healthier, feeling better physically and having more self-esteem.”
