Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The Jan. 24 Health and Wellness Fair at the Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center provided an opportunity for students to learn more about all aspects of health, from physical fitness to mental well-being. The event, organized by the Student Health and Counseling Center, focused on presenting students with the variety of resources available to them both on campus and within Polk County.

Student Health and Counseling Center employee Crystal Ross provided information and resources at the fair. When asked why health and wellness is important, Ross explained, “I think it’s important for anybody, but especially students’s general well-being. You’re already so stressed from studying and classes, and some students work on top of that, so just trying to keep a balanced, healthy lifestyle on top of your stressors. And sometimes you get sick or you get hurt and it’s nice to have a doctor’s office on campus to come to.”

Ross also stressed another important aspect of the SHCC: counseling. “We also have the mental health counselors, so if you’re stressed you can come and talk to somebody. It’s just a great service that we can offer to our students.”

A variety of organizations were in attendance. Oregon Reproductive Health and Planned Parenthood answered questions regarding reproductive health for college students. The WOU Food Pantry and LifeSource Natural Foods informed students on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating for overall physical health. Local fitness centers such as Firehouse Crossfit in Monmouth and Timberhill Athletic Club in Corvallis gave students information on their businesses.

Resources for all ages were available at the fair, including Polk County Public Health and YMCA Independence. YMCA employee and youth basketball coach Karissa Torres explained how the organization plays an important role in health and fitness. “I think for youth in particular, sports definitely creates a better path. Involvement at a young age is really positive for someone’s future.”

Additionally, many Western clubs and organizations were represented at the fair including the WOU Campus Garden, Safe Zone, Peer Mentors, the WOU Community Health Club and Campus Public Safety.

Contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at health@wou.edu for more information on health and wellness.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Sam Dunaway