Students wishing to get their health risks assessed got their chance last Thursday with the Kinesiology Health Fair that took place in the Union.  The health fair was held on Thursday, April 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the student union mall and was hosted by the Health Assessment and Promotion Health Studies 454 class.

“It’s a time when students can actually get to do things that they’ve learned about in class,” said Wynn Gillan a kinesiology and health studies professor who was overseeing the students and the event.

The tests offered at the health fair included cholesterol levels, blood sugar and glucose tests, body mass index (BMI), which measures the percent of fat on the body, as well as blood pressure, pulse rate, vertical jump, sit and reach, height and weight. Overall, students were able to see where they stood with each of these tests.

“I got glucose, cholesterol, my body mass index, my vertical jump, my sit and reach and body fat percentage” said Ryan Washington, a senior communications major who stopped by at the health fair to get measured. “I was surprised. I did pretty well. I’m in pretty good shape.”

Washington actually measured well above average in the sit and reach test reaching 38 cm.

“Some people may be strong but not have a lot of flexibility,” said Gillan of the challenge of the sit and reach test.

While students were not able to diagnose any ailments at the health fair they were able to give a few people information about concerning results.

“In some cases, someone may have high blood pressure but not know it. We can’t diagnose anything, but we had a couple of people who we said you need to go see your doctor within the next week because their blood pressure was at a certain level,” said Gillan.

According to Gillan, over 60 students had stopped to have their health tested at the health fair.

“I think students are enjoying it, as well as the employees here,” said Patricia Ritter, a kinesiology senior who was administering blood pressure tests at the fair. “I think they like to know about their health.”

For more information about future events contact the department of kinesiology and health studies at 985-549-2129.