Sofia Galiano/Asst. News Director
sofia.galiano@fiusm.com
This St. Patrick’s Day, students and faculty will embody total health at the annual Wellness Expo.
The University’s Wellness Center will host this year’s event on Tuesday, March 17 in Panther Square at the Biscayne Bay Campus, offering free health screenings, an outdoor workout and healthy snacks.
A total of 17 tables will be stationed throughout the first floor of the Wolfe University Center.
More vendors were present in past years, before recent renovations to WUC and when space permitted, according to Isabel Capella, senior health educator for Student Health Services at BBC.
However, this year more health screenings will be offered, including blood sugar, cholesterol and HIV, unlike previous years where one or two tests were available.
“This time we are trying to have as many health screenings as possible,” Capella said.
In line with the holiday theme, WUC will be adorned in shamrocks and other green decor.
At the event, students will need to visit six tables and collect coins to redeem a green, kiwi fruit pop. Water bottles and granola bars will also be provided.
Other health-related freebies include cutting boards, measuring cups and salad bowls.
Vendors will consist of local businesses devoted to preventative and sustained health, along with other University departments such as Biscayne Bay Campus Recreation.
Warren Shaw, assistant director for BBC Recreation, said students and faculty will be quizzed at the REC Center table and entered in a raffle. Prizes include complimentary tennis lessons, personal training sessions, locker rentals and towel service in the gym.
Another unique feature at this year’s expo is a 30-minute total-body workout.
An INSANITY workout is expected to be held right outside WUC in Panther Plaza, according Capella and confirmed by Shaw.
The workout is scheduled for noon and will be led by rec center INSANITY instructor Michelle Perez.
Shaw said Perez will be present, demonstrating exercises and providing fitness tips as well.
If students and faculty miss the workout, they will still have a chance to tone their bodies.
Perez teaches hour-long INSANITY classes Tuesday at noon and Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Group X Studio, inside the BBC REC Center.
This type of group exercise uses MAX Interval Training, designed to work every muscle in the body and get hearts pumping.
However, this is just one of the Group X classes offered in the REC Center at no additional cost to University members. Other classes include Zumba, P90X Cardio and the new addition, Reggae Fit.
Ultimately, Capella said the Wellness Expo is an attempt to promote healthy living habits both on and off campus.
About Post Author
