Feb. 11 , 2005 CONTACT: Anastasia Maslova 734.487.4400 amoslova@emich.edu

EMU wellness fair offers healthy options

YPSILANTI ­­- Grabbing at free money is bound to get the blood pressure rising, but be careful not to pull your back out in all the excitement. Either way, Eastern Michigan University’s Employee Wellness Fair is prepared to take care of those needs and much more.

The free event, organized by University Health Services and EMU’s Department of Health and Safety, is Tuesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in the McKenny Union Ballroom.

The University and Ypsilanti community will provide more than 20 educational and fun wellness stations, including a dollar booth, free blood pressure screenings and a chiropractor on site. Some other activities include a free five-minute chair massage, healthy recipes, workstation ergonomics, Latin dance lessons, a fitness class, employee assistance program information and a Nia (neuromuscular integrative action)exercise class demonstration (self-expression through dance and enjoying movement for its own sake).

 “Some employees don't know about the great services available,” said Eric Ward, health education coordinator in University Health Services. “My personal goal is that every participant who attends the fair will walk away with a better knowledge of how to make positive changes in one area of their wellness.”

The six dimensions of wellness are: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental

and intellectual. Ward said employee wellness programs can help reduce medical costs and increase overall job satisfaction.

“The greatest assets on Eastern's campus are its faculty and staff,” Ward said. “If they aren't balanced in their wellness, employee job satisfaction and productivity decrease, and absenteeism and medical costs go higher.”

Some of the wellness fair stations that will be available include:

• Buffy Adams, a representative from a local TCF Bank, will provide information about money management. A dollar booth, complete with a blowing fan at the bottom, will illustrate the saving philosophy and literally teach participants to grab their money.
• Women’s health issues and positive aspects of drinking water will be discussed at health education tables.
• John Gornillo, a local chiropractor, will discuss proper back care.
• Candace Dorsey, crime prevention officer in the department of public safety, will share information on personal safety and safety at the work place.
• Melanie Jorgensen, health and safety specialist in the department of public safety, will share information regarding work and home safety, including improving indoor air quality and how to properly lift heavy items to prevent back injuries.
• Ward will talk about personal balance and provide advice on how to keep things in harmony at home and work.
• Jeffrey Koras, assistant director of business operation for Student Affairs, will man the Innovation Agency table. Koras will discuss revenue-generating and cost-saving ideas that can be applied in to work practices. 

For more information, contact Ward at 487-2226, or eric.ward@emich.edu.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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