ISU Health Fair 2018 draws about 700 people for health screenings, interactive education, display booths

Approximately 700 visitors made their way through ISU’s Pond Student Union for the Health Fair, held on March 15 and 16.  The Health Fair attendees were greeted by 41 community business booths and 20 educational booths provided by ISU programs.

Representatives at each of these booths provided education on a variety of health topics. Kasiska Division of Health Sciences faculty and students created eight interdisciplinary educational booths on a variety of  topics, such as adult immunizations, childhood emotional disorders focusing on trauma stress management, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, skin disorders and pharmacological management, risk factors and prevention of premature birth, precision medicine and pregnancy, and genetics and familial hypercholesterolemia.

In addition, representatives from ISU’s Benny's Pantry, Veteran Student Services Center, Campus Recreation, and Sport Science and Physical Education provided education about their programs.

Seven of the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences clinics provided information about the health services available at ISU, including audiology, counseling, psychology, dental hygiene, Wellness Center, physical therapy/occupational therapy and Health West.

For students interested in a career in the health professions, a pre-health advising and geriatric certificate information booth offered details about program options, pre-requisite requirements, and general ISU information.

Perhaps one of the largest draws to the 2018 ISU Health Fair were the extensive health checks available for attendees.  Free or reduced-cost laboratory services were provided by students and technicians from the Bengal Lab. Health Fair attendees could have their blood drawn to assess their cholesterol, triglycerides,  and blood glucose (sugar) levels, as well as liver, kidney, muscle and heart function tests, a complete blood count test, and a thyroid stimulating hormone test. Fair-goers could also participate in balance checks, blood pressure screenings, point-of-service diabetes checks, nutrition counseling, medication evaluation, and hearing and dental screenings. Most of the screenings were conducted by students, which provided an opportunity for them to experience practical application of their classroom training.

Many Health Fair attendees completed a survey after making their way through the booths, and when asked what they liked most about the fair, one response was, “The diversity and variety provided on behalf of community and university organizations was a huge benefit. The organization and management was well performed and exemplified the quality of work put into the program.”

The feedback provided by many of the Health Fair attendees illustrated how much they appreciate the opportunity to attend the Health Fair to learn their health numbers and how to take steps to improve their health.