Health Screenings, Zumba®, Capoeira, Blood Drive, Relay Race All Aim To Promote Healthy Lifestyles

(Newark, N.J., Sept. 23, 2009) – Being young doesn’t guarantee being fit and healthy. Many college students eat too many unhealthy snacks and foods, get too little sleep and exercise, and generally make poor health decisions.  But Rutgers University, Newark, is trying to reverse that trend with twice-yearly health fairs designed to promote smart choices about factors that impact wellness.

 WHAT:  Each semester the Rutgers health fair on the Newark campus is an interactive, educational yet entertaining program that combines activities designed to get participants on their feet and working their hearts -- such as games, Capoeira and Zumba® --activities which incorporate music, dance and fitness -- – with  health screenings, nutritious snacks, giveaways and informational resources.  New this year:  1. the Community Blood Council of New Jersey Inc. is conducting a blood drive from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Its mobile unit will be parked on campus; exact location to be determined. 2. A relay race with a $150 prize for the top team.

 WHEN:  Oct. 7, noon – 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Norman Samuels Plaza (rain location: The Golden Dome Athletic Center, Warren Street and University Avenue)

 WHO:   Open to students, faculty and staff with RU IDs, free of charge.

 WHY:    Since 2002, Rutgers has been educating students to health dangers such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol at interactive health fairs offering free screenings, fun activities and healthy snacks. But education is the most important element of the health fair. Demonstrations and exhibitions are offered by various Rutgers-Newark departments and service providers, including the R-N Health Center and Pharmacy, Athletics and Recreation, Paul Robeson Campus Center, Housing and Residence Life, Public Safety, and UNITY Theater, among others.  Community and government agencies also participate as exhibitors, providing vital information about available health resources.