Wellness Fair to address issues

Southern University’s Student Health Center is preparing for their Spring Wellness Fair, and is encouraging all students to attend.
The twice-yearly event will be held on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
Based on a study conducted by the American College Health Association, there are ten leading health indicators that affect the public, specifically among college students. Among them obesity, physical activity and tobacco use are the issues directly impacting Southern University, according to Shirley Wade, the clinical administrator of Baranco-Hill Student Health Services.
“The list helps tell outcomes for student learning,” said Wade. “If you don’t have a healthy student, you can’t retain them.”
Many of the services offered, such as clinical breast exams, bone marrow registry and mental health awareness, directly affect both the Southern and black community.
Mental health on college campuses appears to be a point of major concern, as students often tend to stress over examinations and personal problems. Oftentimes mental health problems among students manifest themselves both emotionally and physically, according to Wade.
“Twenty-eight percent of students have these (mental health) issues. They’ve had problems with a test, problems with the boyfriend or the girlfriend, their family. Sometimes they’re young, and never have been away from home, where they were used to ‘mama’ taking care of everything. They can’t cope effectively.”
The month of April is both Stress Awareness and STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Awareness, and Wade says both the health and counseling centers are willing and open for to student questions and concerns.
After a contraception study conducted by a Southern grad student, results showed that at least 70 percent of Southern’s sexually active students are engaging in unprotected sex.
“Which is why we have programs like women’s HIV awareness days, Black AIDS Awareness. We have a nice show of support at the programs, but we also have male and female contraception materials available in the office, should students need them.”
Several of the fair’s sponsors directly serve Southern students, such as Planned Parenthood and Family Road, according to Wade.
There will be plenty of free give-a-ways, free information, and painless screens, with the exception blood and cholesterol tests, said Wade.
“Student may not think it applies to them, but it applies,” she said.
“They’re having sex and spreading diseases, but we can help them know their HIV status. Information is power; when you know better, you do better.”