tudents may not know what to think about subjects such as alcohol abuse, skin cancer and sexual responsibility the week before spring break, but the Health and Activities Center thinks they should.
Attracted by free products and screening tests, students made their rounds through the annual Healthy Days display at the Preston Center Tuesday afternoon, an event during Sexual Awareness Month aimed at providing students with useful health information.
The Health and Activities Center promoted well-rounded health by inviting, among others, a registered local dietician and representatives from the Counseling and Testing Center, Student Disabilities Center and ALIVE (a local Information and Volunteer Exchange) to participate in the event.
“I’m here to get extra credit for one of my classes,” admitted Franklin senior Leah Smith. She took advantage of the opportunity to have her body composition tested at one of the fitness booths.
In reward for turning in a card stamped by each of the 20-plus booths set up on one of the basketball courts, students became eligible for prizes such as gift certificates to Best Buy and Nat’s Outdoor Sports.
A poster board with about 50 pictures of people killed by drunk drivers leaned against one table, in front of which a police officer challenged students to perform various sobriety tests while wearing vision-impairing goggles.
Madisonville sophomore Jennifer Shemwell couldn’t catch a pen the officer tossed to her or walk a straight line.
“It’s very challenging because your capabilities are limited,” Shemwell said.
She said it was hard to gain a sense of balance.
Other booths covered issues ranging from nutrition to child abuse.
Rahul Nair, a graduate student from India working on a master’s degree in public health, offered toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste to everyone at a booth sponsored by the Institute for Rural Health Development and Research.
“I have less than a minute to stress the importance of flossing to each person,” Nair said.
He said he had only met about 10 people who said they floss regularly.
Reach Scott Hamilton at features@wkuherald.com.
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