Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the Second Annual Faculty-Staff Health Fair, November 14, in the MC West Ballroom from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This provides a wonderful opportunity for faculty and staff and their spouses to gain knowledge designed to improve health and well-being.

Our health is determined to a great extent by our lifestyle habits. Heart disease and cancer, two of the leading causes of death in this country, often relate back to unhealthy lifestyle choices among individuals within the population. Not only do these diseases cause disability and discomfort, but they cost a great deal in money, resources and lost productivity. One of the goals of the Wellness Committee at Ricks College is to encourage faculty and staff members to develop healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their families. The health fair will be centered around exercise, diet and emotional wellness.

Certain areas available at the fair require some advance planning. One display will allow participants to practice strength and flexibility tests. Women may prefer to wear pants and men dress casually for these exercises. Another station will feature skin fold testing to estimate body fat done in a private setting. This station will also require participants to wear two-piece clothing that will allow access to the upper arm and other measurement sites. Blood screening tests will be available again this year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. DMBA only covers the cost of screening tests every three years, however, the test may also be paid for at the fair. Guidelines with costs outlined will be available in this bulletin and/or at the fair. The chemistry and cardiac risk screens are much more accurate if the individual fasts overnight. A computerized wellness screening is also available for a $1 charge. Make preparations now to learn more about your health on Friday, November 14.