Lively health fair sparks attendance at University of Mary Washington

Laughter, with its proven health benefits, was an integral part of this year’s Health & Wellness Fair sponsored by Sodexo’s Campus Dining Services at The University of Mary Washington (UMW).

From demonstrations in martial arts to classes in ballroom dancing and belly dancing, students, faculty, and campus dining managers participated in these light-hearted yet fitness-conscious activities.

Sodexo’s Campus Dining Services hosts this annual health fair as a service to the University and the Fredericksburg community which saw a 20 percent increase in attendance and vendor participation this year.

“We don’t charge exhibitors to participate and admission is free,” said Dining Services Marketing Manager Rose Benedict. “Our fair is designed to offer information, products and services that promote wellness in every facet of our human condition: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Because of this, we have gained a reputation for inclusiveness and diversity.”

More than fifty exhibitors participated in the fair including physicians, eye doctors, free clinics, brain injury services, University health and recreation centers, Veterans’ services, fitness centers, Alzheimer’s and suicide prevention support groups, weight loss centers, disability resource centers, campus faith ministries, health insurance companies, and dozens of other organizations and businesses.

Services and demonstrations available at the fair included:

• Nutritional guidance from Sodexo Dietitian Lois Durant of George Mason University
• Blood pressure checks from Mary Washington Health Care
• Peak-Flow asthma screening from the Allergy & Asthma Center
• Neck and shoulder massages from the Massage Therapy Center and Ultimate Family Wellness Center

Hundreds of free, healthy snacks were provided by PepsiCo, PET Dairy, and General Mills which offered use of the “Lucky Charms Leprechaun” costume for the event. Student Dining Ambassador Brandon Rozek played the role and posed for selfies with jovial attendees.

“The University’s Office of Human Resources integrated their employee benefits fair with us this year and were thrilled with the results,” said Kristin Menard, Dining Services Marketing Assistant and event coordinator. “We are proud and grateful to have the opportunity to provide this much-needed service to our University and Fredericksburg communities, and we look forward to hosting an even bigger and better event next year.”