The fourth annual Health and Wellness Fair brought a variety of local vendors and organizations to the Bakersfield College campus to share their insight and information regarding everything from epilepsy to cancer to therapeutic massage.
According to Bakersfield College nurse Debra B. Strong the goal of the Health and Wellness Fair is “to promote healthy lifestyles.” Strong said that every student at BC should be at his or her “optimal health.”
Among the different organizations represented at this event were both Link to Life and the American Cancer Society, who try to promote awareness among both women and men about breast cancer. The cancer society gave demonstrations on how to perform breast self-examination, and encouraged it for both men and women. The Epilepsy Society of Kern County presented information about epilepsy and support groups that are offered in the Bakersfield area.
The Bakersfield Police Department handed out information about crime prevention. A couple of companies also gave out information about safe sex, including methods of contraception.
“It was a good thing,” commented Amanda Sager, a 25-year-old child Development major, after she had a chance to check out the different booths.
Among the services being provided were a free cholesterol test from Kern Medical Center’s staff, and glucose and blood pressure testing from San Joaquin Community Hospital’s staff. The Massage Training Institute also gave free massages to students.
“I just got massaged, it was very nice,” said Amy Ormonde, 22.