Frequent visits to various healthcare providers can be expensive, but luckily the annual university Health Fair is free and quickly approaching.
“This will be one of the biggest health fairs we have had at Florida A&M University; it will cover all aspects of health,” said Saundra Inge, director of student activities.
FAMU’s Office of Student Activities will host the University Health Fair on Thursday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the FAMU Park, as a part of this year’s homecoming celebration.
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Rattler community in participating in the health fair.
OSA is welcoming over 75 health agencies and community partners, like Big Bend Hospice, American Red Cross, Capital Health Plan, Leon County Health Department, and Tallahassee Parks & Recreation.
Mildred Brinkler, chairperson for the university Health Fair, said the number of partners has doubled since last year.
Health screenings such as vision, hearing, pregnancy, osteoporosis screening, blood pressure, basic fitness evaluation, diabetes risk assessment, tongue diagnosis, stroke risk assessment, pulse diagnosis and HIV/AIDS testing will be available for participants.
“We want the community to recognize the importance of health awareness,” Brinkler said.
“They should make lifestyle changes and incorporate positive behaviors, like eating healthy, remaining stress free, practicing safe sex and being drug free.”
The U.S. Census reported that Florida ranked fourth in the nation in terms of the number of uninsured people.
“In light of the heated debate surrounding the Obama administration’s push for change in the healthcare delivery system in American, African-Americans simply cannot choose to stand by nonchalantly,” Brinkler said. “We must take action and make a personal choice to make good health a priority in our lives and take the initiative to live a lifestyle that will promote health and wellness for ourselves, friends, family and loved ones.”
According to Leon County Health Department nearly eight percent of the population of
Leon County under the age of 65 or approximately 18,887 people is believed to have no health insurance.
There will be exercise demonstrations by the FAMU Recreation Department and the Toaist Thai Chi Society. Entertainment will be provided by The Marching 100 and the FAMU cheerleaders for the day.
“With the rise of health issues on campus this is the best time for students to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Anquan Brown,23, a sixth-year pharmacy student from Miami.