Utah State University Hosts Wellness Expo

Start the new year by attending the USU Wellness Expo Thursday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Taggart Student Center (TSC). 

The Wellness Expo provides a way to make our 2011 resolutions a success.  

“As a joint effort with Student Services and Human Resources, this event’s purpose is to inspire others and engage people to fulfill their potential of living strong, successful, and healthy lives,” said USU Wellness Coordinator Caroline Shugart. 

The Wellness Expo is open for students, employees and the community with a goal to motivate them on their wellness journey during any stage of life. 

Interactive booths, displays and health screenings will be available at the Wellness Expo, offering information about nutrition, fitness, relaxation, sustainability and financial health. 

Those attending can try on a 20 pound body fat suit and experience how difficult it is to perform simple tasks, or find out your current health numbers and how to improve your lifestyle. Health screenings to determine body mass index, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood sugar, grip strength and flexibility will be open to attendees.

Free diabetes and blood sugar screenings will be available thanks to the generous support of Logan Regional Hospital. To schedule an appointment, call 435-797-0122. Walk-ins will also be welcome. 

To participate in a free hearing test provided by the USU Hearing Clinic, call 435-797-1375. 

Those interested can attend a free, gentle yoga class the day of the event at noon in the TSC Stevenson Ballroom. No prior yoga experience is required, but comfortable clothing is recommended. The half-hour session will be followed by a motivational yoga documentary from 12:30-1:20 p.m. A chair massage will also be accessible for participants to sooth tired neck and shoulder muscles.

Most people have the potential to live a long, healthy, and full life lasting at least 70-80 years, but the odds increase when we properly maintain the body we inhabit, Shugart said.

“It is essential that the human body is appreciated and protected,” she said. “Poor food choices and lack of physical activity are common risk factors for an unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity and diabetes rates are increasing, but these obstacles can be prevented. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, engaging in fun physical activities and learning about the resources and support available are key components of leading a healthy life. If these simple steps are neglected, serious consequences, including anxiety and depression, high blood pressure and irregular blood sugar levels can result. These aspects will occur in addition to illness, lack of energy, and decreased academic performance.

“Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels. Once you feel healthy, feel great, have endless energy, have great concentration, and feel happiness — it’s hard to ever think that unhealthy was the ‘normal.’”

The USU Wellness Expo, along with the USU Wellness Program, is dedicated to making these life-changing decisions easier, Shugart said.

“By providing fitness classes, ways to decrease stress levels, delicious Be Well meal and snack options, fitness assessments and support, the Expo and the Wellness Program ensure that this journey does not have to be traveled alone,” she said. “The USU Wellness Program strives to support and enhance the health and wellness of employees and their families and the broader community by building partnerships, programs and policies that enrich lives.”

Many of the programs are available to students and community members. More information is available online or by contacting Shugart at caroline.shugart@usu.edu, (435-797-0735).

Writer: Erika Rasmussen, 801-349-7719, Erika.ras@aggiemail.usu.edu

Contact: Caroline Shugart, 435-797-0735, caroline.shugart@usu.edu