Wellness Expo shows UNLV’s mind, body, spirit

September 2, 2010 by Nicole Natividad 

Annual event showcases many facets of health, campus culture

The Intramural Sports and Special Events organization held the third annual Wellness Expo Tuesday.

Various organizations and services turned out for the event, including those inside the SRWC, like the Student Health Center, Student Counseling and Psychological Services and UNLV’s own registered dietitian.

Student groups like the UNLV chapter of Colleges Against Cancer also set up tables at the Expo.

Proving that wellness is about more than just physical fitness, the University Libraries, the Writing Center and the Office of Civic Engagement and Diversity were also there, along with outside vendors advertising healthy foods.

Every group had fliers, letting students know how many services – many of them free for students – are available.

The Student Health Center, located on the first floor of the SRWC, is a full clinic and offers same-day appointments with nurses and doctors for students suffering from minor illnesses and injuries.

The health fee charged to students every semester covers the many services offered by the Student Health Center.

Appointments with the staff are free and students are only charged for services such as lab tests and pharmaceuticals.

When a service does require a cost or fee, the center will work with students’ health insurance to cover those costs.

If the supplies are available, the center offers free samples of medication students need, such as an inhaler for those with asthma.

“We do the best we can to keep things affordable for you,” saidShelley McCurdy, a registered nurse at the health center.
The health center is a safe zone, McCurdy said, and provides specialized health services for both male and female patients.

For those who want to eat right but don’t know where to start, the Wellness Expo introduces students to UNLV’s registered dietitian, Debi Meyer.

Meyer consults with students for free as a benefit of the health fee, and with faculty, staff and non-students for a $75 charge.

A slew of food information to promote eating well covered the dietitian’s table, including models of proper portions and vials filled with sugar, fat and sodium representing the amounts of each found in popular food.

On the other end of the wellness spectrum, the Student Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, is also housed on the third floor of the SRWC. Students have access to individual, group and couple counseling, which is also covered by each semester’s health fee.

Like the health center, CAPS charges for testing and medication.

OCED, located on the third floor of the Student Union, presented students with opportunities to join groups and give back to the community.

“Students help not only themselves, but others,” said Raquel Smith, a program coordinator for OCED. She explained that the program is part of a holistic approach to health through leadership and community services.