SJSM Health Fair Offers Advice to Local Community

On July 16, students from our St. Vincent campus organized a community health fair for the people of the Arnos Vale Community. Hosted by many of the school's clubs, the fair was focused on diabetes, kidney health, nutrition and fitness. Attendees were provided with free screenings and awareness activities for these four areas. Student Government President Kirk Stewart was the health fair's lead coordinator. He worked with an eager team to set up more than a dozen screening stations throughout the hallways of the campus. The top floor focused on diabetes, administering tests for blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index readings. These tests were led by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) representative and the campus ACTIVE organizer. Also on the top floor were chiropractic examinations and treatment, electrocardiograms (EKGs), dental exams and physical exams. A bone density screening was also available. On the second floor, community members were greeted by Phi Chi, the school's first fraternity. Here, Phi Chi educated health fair participants about the benefits of healthy kidneys. They administered urine "dipstick" analyses to take a closer look at kidney function, while the Tropical Medical Association (TropMed) led a hand washing seminar and hematocrit screenings to encourage the reduction of infectious disease. Other services offered by students and volunteers included eye tests and nutritional education. With the help of volunteers, faculty and the organizers of this year's health fair, students were successful in reminding community members of the importance of personal health.