Co-Lin Health Fair: health is contagious-spread the word.

Health is one of your most valuable personal assets, but do you consider yourself “healthy?” Most people in Mississippi do not live a healthy lifestyle; in fact, statistically Mississippi is one of the most unhealthy states in America. There are many factors that contribute to this distressing situation.

The United Health Foundation ranks Mississippi at about 50 as far as the general health of its population. For the sixth year in a row, Mississippi has been rated the “most obese state” in America. This scary fact leads to the probability of metabolic syndrome which in turn increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A large portion of Mississippians live in poverty making it difficult to obtain good medical care or afford proper nutrition. This state of affairs adds up to a big challenge for Mississippi citizens concerned about their health and the health of their neighbors. Copiah-Lincoln Community College would like to offer you a chance to look at many different features of your health under one roof. We think education is essential to improving health in Mississippi, so please join us for a health fair.

The health fair will be open to the public as well as the campus community on from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. It will take place in the Tom Reed Academic Center in the Wellness Center and the activity room. These rooms are located between the bookstore and the dining hall.

There will be great exhibits and representatives from the medical and health professions available. First of all, United Blood Services will be set up and ready for you to donate blood. The Co-Lin Practical Nursing students will check blood pressures. Randy Castilaw, Co-Lin workforce development coordinator, will demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver. Natchez Yoga owner, Danielle Craft, will perform and lead yoga positions. The Co-Lin Respiratory Care Practitioners will take pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flows for asthma assessment. Curves personnel will assess your body mass index. Dr. Stephanie Duguid and Phi Theta Kappa students will distribute information about heart disease. The Silver Sneakers and instructor Judy Wiggins will be on hand to demonstrate and talk about exercise and the mature adult. A questionnaire on depression will be available to take. Lastly, there will be displays and information available on diabetes, heart disease, cancer and STDs.

You are welcome to park in the Redd/Watkins Career and Technical Education Center parking lot, which is the second right off of Campus Drive. Ask for directions to the health fair in the lobby. So if you would like to donate blood, gather information about exercise and diet, or have your blood pressure checked — put the fair on your calendar and we will see you at the Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Nancy J. McLemore is a member of the Co-Lin Natchez Wellness Committee.