UNE students organize health fair at Biddeford Middle School

Forty-five University of New England students in Applied Exercise Science and Athletic Training Education programs conducted a wellness fair for close to 200 7th graders at the Biddeford Middle School on Dec. 8, 2008.

The UNE students worked under the direction of Tim Robinson, a UNE adjunct professor in the Department of Athletic Training Education.

Set up in the middle school's gymnasium were 22 focus areas designed to raise awareness about health-related issues such as obesity, sun damage, and anger management - all designed to be age-appropriate for this audience.
 
Among the numerous interactive and visually engaging presentations were:

• A presentation on sun damage that used a black light machine, under which students could place their skin and see where they are already experiencing sun damage.
• Drug & alcohol awareness - drunk driving goggles were be available for students to wear and safely experience the dangerous effects of alcohol.
• Communication station - students were blindfolded and talked through an obstacle course to demonstrate the importance of communications skills.

In previous years, this fair was held on the UNE campus, but this year the venue and focus were changed to reach into the community to make a positive impact on adolescents.