December is here and winter is approaching, and that means flu season is upon us. To help students combat the flu and other ailments, the CCE Student Government Association held its first-ever Health Fair, starting on Nov. 16 and continuing on Nov. 18 and 19.

The kick-off involved free blood pressure and blood sugar checks for those who may want to know if they have diabetes and other related ailments.

A representative from Weight Watchers was also at the event, offering information about the new Points Plus Program started just last year. Flu shots were also offered at $20 for convenience during the winter flu season.

CCE SGA Activities Director Lesia Lancaster believes that the programs at the fair, including Weight Watchers, could help bring more health awareness to campus.

“We hope to continue advocating the personal responsibility that is required for preventive health measures,” Lancaster said.

Chasity Newkirk, a UNCG nurse conducting blood pressure and blood sugar testing, agreed.

“Knowing your (blood pressure and blood sugar) values enables you to take steps to prevent diabetes,” said Newkirk.

However, knowing about one’s health may not be as easy as one would think.

“The way the economy is doing, a lot of people aren’t able to make an appointment (at the doctor’s office),” said CCE SGA Co-Publicity Chair Yvette Bailey, one of the forces behind the weekend-long event.

However, she believes that getting to know what is going on health-wise will save money in the long run.

The Health Fair, with free blood tests and cheap flu shots, was an opportunity to get people thinking about their health.

“One girl stated that she needed to work on her blood pressure (after taking the test),” said Bailey.

Bailey went on to say that everyone’s situation is different, from those people who do not get an appointment because they cannot afford it or do not have the available health insurance to those who simply do not want to know anything, which could be detrimental.

The recession has caused many people to lose their jobs, and with them, their health benefits. However, throughout the trying times, there are still opportunities out there that one could take advantage off.

For instance, a main attraction was the Health Fair Bus, in which the first 85 students got a five-year health screening in which they get a “snapshot” of their health status.

Those students who are unable to afford health insurance had the opportunity to jump-start their wellness and health.

The screening included a cholesterol screening, a glucose/diabetes test, and a blood pressure test. Students were also able to get their body mass index and height, weight and waist measurements.

“The Health Fair Bus was a success,” said Lancaster. “Every student that took part was thoroughly pleased with the process, and they were also impressed by the information they received by having a simple finger prick. Having this type of information helps individuals see where they are today, and it helps them set future health goals.”

“I think it is an important event … it could be (great) to combine the CCE and traditional student involvement,” said CCE student Danielle Heider.

With the Health Fair in the past, CCE SGA hopes that the Guilford community will be better prepared to manage their own health.