Darrius Barron
Sports Editor
With the evolution of technology providing pop culture with video games that tempt players to sink into their seats for days at a time, and television shows that compel fans to binge an entire eight season series over the course of one week; the couch has easily become the most entertaining place to be.
With the goal of urging students to gain a better understanding of living healthier lifestyles, the Jackson State University Health Center held its annual health fair on March 22 on the Gibbs-Green Plaza.
The event featured information tables from several different health aspects.
JSU students populated the plaza during the lunch hours, some just enjoying the generous sunlight, and others on their way to class.
Everyone that participated in the event left with several care packages, a boxed lunch, and ways to spread the knowledge they acquired.
Some vendors tackled dental health, some gave focus to sex education, others focused on mental health, and even knowing your family’s medical history. Some vendors felt the need to cater to the enlightenment of personal hygiene.
The “All of Us” research program which visited JSU in February of 2019, also made an appearance at the health fair.
Because so many health complications are hereditary, “All of Us” encourages people to go and become aware of their medical history so that prevention or treatment can be less of a burden.
Obesity is an issue that many the United States, specifically people in the state of Mississippi, struggles with. The Walter Payton Center’s staff made an appearance at the health fair to promote the “Sweetness Run/Walk”, and the “One-mile Fun Run” to fight against obesity.
People interested in the run-walk can register online at www.Active.comwith the keyword “Sweetness.” The event is scheduled for April 6, 2019 with an online deadline for registration of April 3, however on-site registration will be available.
Mental health is an issue that is sometimes neglected or ignored in the black community.
Glory Moses, the clinic office manager for the JSU Applied Psychological Services clinic believes that the negative stigma of mental health in the black community remains, but awareness is on the rise.
“There has been a shift, but I think the shift more is now dealing with the awareness; but the stigma still remains. I think that’s because of the lack of education and people not knowing, and not willing to know,” said Moses.
Other vendors at the fair talked to students about another issue that is often not spoken about in the black community, unprotected sex.
Kevin Patterson, a research associate with the community health program at JSU believes that spreading the truth about the dangers of unprotected sex is key to preventing STDs.
“The big thing for me is authenticity, and how we package truth. At the end of the day, the message of truth is what is going to resonate, or what should resonate. This issue is not about ‘how do I pretty up a prevention plan.’ It is about how do we get students to think, to make conscious decisions about their tomorrow and today.”
If you missed the health fair and you are seeking further information about any medical complications, the campus’ health center is open to students Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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