FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU’s annual Healthfest provides keys to healthy lifestyles       

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Those who are wondering if their blood pressure, posture and eyesight are up to snuff, or those who have promised to get in shape and are looking for help to do so, will find Slippery Rock University’s 23rd Healthfest Oct. 21 the place to get the information they need.

The 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. event is in the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center. Healthfest will offer a variety of health screenings and information about health-related issues.

“We work hard to make sure we have the latest health information as well as the latest health topics in the news available,” said Brian Mortimer, coordinator of wellness and the Russell Wright Fitness Center in the Robert N. Aebersold Recreation Center, and Healthfest coordinator.

“This is an opportunity for health-related agencies, services and organizations in the western Pennsylvania region and our SRU students involved in health-related academic programs to share their knowledge and gain practical experience,” Mortimer said.

Students in a number of SRU academic programs, including exercise science, physical therapy and Outdoor Adventures will staff information tables. Regional hospitals, including Butler Memorial Hospital and Grove City Medical Center and services such as Grove Manor Nursing Home and Personal Care Center, the Visiting Nurses of Western Pennsylvania and Wal-Mart Vision Center will offer health screenings. The Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania will offer lupus screenings and AVI Food Systems will provide free health snacks.

The free festival is sponsored by SRU’s Office of Campus Recreation.

“Students put their classroom learning into practice at Healthfest and professionals provide visitors with information and tips that should lead to better health. Of course, our overall theme is to promote better health through education and understanding. We also promote membership in the recreation center,” Mortimer said.

More than 50 health-related agencies and programs will participate.

SRU’s McLachlan Student Health Center will offer free flu shots to SRU students with proper ID. Other campus participants include Bailey Library, the Bridge Project, the Counseling Center, the Athletic Training Program, Gerontology Program, the parks and recreation department, environmental health and the SRU Women’s Center.

Professional groups participating include, AARP American Association for Retired People, Adagio Health, AIG Valic, Albert Gallatin Home Care and Hospice, American Heart Association, Autumn Grove Care Center, Belmont Pines, Butler County Association for the Blind, Butler County Children’s Center Inc., Butler Lions Club, Butler Medical Providers, Center for Community Resources, Inc., Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center, Childcare Information Services of Butler County, Chiropractic Care Center (Charles N Nebel), Community Health Challenge, Concordia Visiting Nurses, CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education), Food For Fitness, Irene Stacy Community Mental Health, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Lutheran Services Society, Mental Health Association in Butler County, NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), Natural Healing, Orchard Manor Inc., Overlook Medical Clinic, PPHA-CC, Quality Life Services, Silver Sneakers Fitness Programs and Healthways, Slippery Rock Senior Center, Sprucewood Commons, Tobacco Free Butler County Coalition, VITAS and Weight Watchers.

The Slippery Rock Senior Center’s Line Dancers will perform at 11 a.m.

           “Our original concept for Healthfest was to provide a means of educating people about the benefits of wellness. Wellness is a comprehensive term, including physical, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and life-planning dimensions of health. By providing this service to the campus and community, we think it will lead to everyone enjoying a healthier life,” Mortimer said.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

PN, PGN, WPN, PR