Health and Fitness Expo is a Hit

By Connect Mason Reporter Brittany Rouse

At Mason’s Health and Fitness Expo March 26-27, students had the opportunity to receive health screenings, and learn about nutrition and other health awareness issues. The expo boasted over 80 vendors, ranging from health beverages to AIDS and HIV awareness, to the Washington Humane Society, according to Student Health Services Chairman Carol Filak.

The expo's theme followed lyrics from Kanye West’s song, "Stronger", using the words "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" on the back of the t-shirts. Students were able to receive the t-shirts for free after collecting stamps from five of the vendors. There were five categories of vendors, including nutrition, health promotion and health screenings.

Students could learn about pilates from a fitness instructor or receive coupons to local gyms. A few feet away students could get their Body Mass Index measured, blood pressure checked, and vision screened all in the same location. Out on the plaza, climbing skills were put to the test on the rock wall and people donated blood in one of the two blood mobiles.

The event was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, along with Student Health Services, the School of Nursing, Dining Services, and the Office of Alcohol Drug and Health Education Services. The expo will be showcasing many of the same vendors at the Prince William Campus on Thursday, April 3 from 10am-4pm.