University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

By SUE WUETCHER

Published: February 6, 2009

Wellness Awareness Day, the annual free event promoting the physical and emotional wellness of UB faculty and staff, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4 in the main gym in Alumni Arena, North Campus.

Sponsored by Wellness and Work/Life Balance in Human Resources and the Professional Staff Senate, the event, now in its 10th year, routinely attracts 1,000 to 2,000 faculty, staff and graduate students. Release time to attend is available with approval from a supervisor.

“Employees should come to Wellness Awareness Day because it is the best and most efficient opportunity they have to meet with wellness providers and receive free assessments of their health,” says Kathie Frier, director of wellness and work/life balance. “The largest ever collection of UB and community representatives will be on hand to answer questions, promote their services and provide raffles and prizes.

“They will walk away from this event empowered to make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and their families,” Frier says.

The schedule of activities includes presentations and demonstrations on topics ranging from osteoporosis, diabetes and depression to healthy eating, alternative medicine and ballroom dancing.

Some local restaurants and supermarkets, including Fanny’s, Lebro’s Restaurant, Campus Dining & Shops, Feel Rite Fresh Markets and Wegmans will be on site to provide free healthy food samples.

Various health and fitness screenings and assessments also will be available for interested members of the university community.

Employees who take part in a pre-event blood draw will receive the results of their tests at the event and can consult with a physician. Blood draws, which will include Tsh, PSA, lipid panel, complete blood count and glucose will be held from 7:30-10 a.m. Feb. 24 and Feb. 26 in 145D Student Union, North Campus, and from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. 25 and Feb. 27 in 172 Farber Hall, South Campus. Call 677-8407 for an appointment. The co-pay is $5 for CSEA members and $10 for all others.

Those wishing to participate in a UB Fit health screening should call 645-2286 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays to schedule an appointment. The screening includes cardiovascular risk analysis, grip strength, flexibility, height/weight, body-fat percentage, blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol and submaximal aerobic capacity test. Recommendations for self-directed exercises also will be available.

Skin screenings will include a quick screening of hands, arms, and face. No clothing to be removed. Call Deb at 885-4830 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

Click here for more information or to download a detailed schedule of activities.