The Student News Site of Gannon University since 1947

THE GANNON KNIGHT

The Student News Site of Gannon University since 1947

THE GANNON KNIGHT

The Student News Site of Gannon University since 1947

THE GANNON KNIGHT

Annual wellness fair promotes healthy habits

Prizes, demonstrations and health facts were provided to Gannon University students, faculty and staff on the second floor of the Waldron Campus Center Tuesday at the annual Wellness Fair.

Gannon University does its best each year at the Wellness Fair to keep its students and staff healthy by embracing healthy eating, living and outlook.

Nearly 400 people attended the fair this year, with 41 different tables, two demonstrations, evaluations and meditation available.

A variety of tables that were at the fair included PA Highway Safety – where patrons could try drunken driving – Army ROTC, LIFECORE and Whole Foods Cooperative.

Story continues below advertisement

This year, Gannon added a Metz Culinary Management and Honey House Bakery cooking demonstration.

Metz prepared whole-wheat pasta and veggies as a healthy alternative option for college students.

Representatives from Parable Farm, a small family-owned and operated farm, said the meats customers get from grocery stores can often be unhealthy.

Sarah Parka, a Parable Farm spokeswoman, not only works at the farm, but is also a registered nurse, which is how she expresses her healthy way of living.

“We give all of our animals the love and nourishment so your meat experience with us is satisfying,” Parka said. “I’m always happy educating others in our meat processing and giving tours around our farm.”

Gentle Touch Healing is a company that promotes energy therapy for health and well-being.

The Quantum-Touch is a method of hands-on healing that will help align hips, shoulders and spines.

Fred Popeski, a certified instructor for Quantum-Touch, voiced his stories about his experience with Quantum-Touch and stress relieving techniques.

“I had a lady come in after she had both of her knees replaced, and before I did any work on her, I told her to unlock her knees,” said Popeski. “The key to unnecessary pain is to remember to unlock your knees and relax.”

Quantum-Touch is coming to Gannon as a class for the coming fall semester at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion.

Lauren Tatanus, a senior science major, said the Wellness Fair was a good experience “except halfway through [her] visit, the fire alarm went off.”

Tatanus enjoyed the chiropractic table the best because she got to have a test on the pains in her back.

“Because I got the test, I am now going to make an appointment for the chiropractor,” Tatanus said.

There were also numerous prizes that were being given away such as the door prizes, which consisted of two mountain bikes and a Nintendo Wii.

Tatanus won the Metz basket which contained wraps, fruit, granola bars, pasta and healthy snacks.

St. Vincent Hospital, UPMC Hamot and LECOM Medical & Wellness Center all made appearances, allowing students to speak with doctors and get medical and health information.

David Thompson, a sophomore sports and exercise science major, went to the Wellness Fair for the free massage.

“I got a free arm and neck massage, but I also ended up learning a lot of helpful tips from a lot of the tables,” Thompson said.

Gannon’s occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and exercise science programs also contributed tables to the fair, with boards of information on each topic.

Rhiannon Ray, a senior early childhood and special education major, said her preferred table at the fair was the Erie Sports Store.

“Being healthy interests me, but I really want to win the gift card to the sports store,” Ray said.

SafeNet, a community network for domestic violence and abusive relationships, had tons of fliers and sign-up sheets to cooperate in events that protest and speak out against this issue.

SafeNet and the crime victim center of Erie County also participate in the annual Take Back the Night march and rally that takes place on April 2 in Perry Square.

Overall, the fair seemed to have a positive impact on the students who attended.

“I’ve participated in the Wellness Fair the past two years and I always leave there with some new information, helpful tips and a lot of free stuff,” Thompson said.

 

COLLEEN LANGHAM

[email protected]

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All comments will be reviewed for language before published on the website.
All THE GANNON KNIGHT Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *