Co-Lin Health and Wellness 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 unhealthiest states in America. There are many factors that contribute to this distressing situation.

The United Health Foundation again ranks Mississippi at about 50th as far as the general health of its population. After six years in a row, Mississippi has fallen to the number two spot as the “most obese state” in America; West Virginia holds that infamous ranking of No. 1 now. Unfortunately, 33 percent obesity in Mississippi still 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 and Wellness Fair.

The fair will be open to the public as well as the campus community from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. 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 in the academic building.

There will be great exhibits and representatives from the medical and health professions available. The Co-Lin Practical Nursing students will check your blood pressure. The Co-Lin Respiratory Care Practitioner students will take pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flows for asthma assessment, as well as demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver. Cathy Prospere from the American Cancer Society will be on hand with prevention information. Silver Sneakers and instructor Judy Wiggins will be on hand to demonstrate and talk about exercise for the mature adult.

Eyesight and glaucoma screening will be performed by the Lions Club. A questionnaire on depression will be available to take from psych instructor, Joe Swoveland. Lastly, there will be displays and information available on diabetes, cholesterol, dental care, depression, heart disease and Alcoholics Anonymous.

You are welcome to park in the Redd-Watkins Vocational Technical building parking lot which is the second left off of Campus Drive. Ask for directions to the fair in the lobby. So if you would like to have your eyes checked, gather information about exercise and diet, or have your blood pressure taken — come Wednesday and we will see you at the Co-Lin Health and Wellness Fair.

Nancy McLemore is a member of the Wellness Committee at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus.