Dancing, Contests, Massages, Health Screenings Will Help Rutgers-Newark Students Shape Up On Oct. 5

Who says getting healthy has to be boring hard work, or that healthy foods can’t also be tasty? Rutgers University, Newark, is using a health fair to demonstrate fun, tasty and healthful life choices to students, faculty and staff.

WHAT: A campuswide “RU a Hero? It’s Your Choice” fair, an interactive, educational yet entertaining program that promotes fitness by educating students and employees about life choices that promote good health. Games will test players’ knowledge of health facts, and activities such as salsa dancing and belly-dancing will get hearts pumping and muscles moving. Also on tap: massages, health screenings, nutritious snacks, giveaways and informational resources. The Dynamic Dynasty dance group will close out the program. A Wii game system will be raffled off. Open to students, faculty and staff with RU IDs, free of charge.

WHEN: Oct. 5, noon – 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Norman Samuels Plaza (entrance through the Rutgers-Newark Arch, University Avenue, between 175 University Ave. and 195 University Ave. RAIN LOCATION: Golden Dome Athletic Center, Warren Street and University Avenue, Newark.

WHY: Many college students eat too many unhealthy snacks and foods, get too little sleep and exercise, and generally make poor health decisions. But Rutgers is educating students to health dangers such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, through interactive health fairs offering free screenings, fun activities and healthy snacks.

WHO: Activities, prizes and exhibits will be offered by various R-N 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, ARAMARK, the Student Health Advocates, and UNITY Theater, among others. Community and government agencies also participate as exhibitors, providing vital information about available health resources.