00As another winter winds toward spring and individuals slowly let go of New Year’s resolutions geared toward maintaining a healthier lifestyle, Lee College officials are stepping in to remind area residents that simple changes can make a big difference in their lives.
“Lee College will host its Fifth Annual Health Fair Tuesday, March 26, from 1-4 p.m.,” said Lee College Wellness Coordinator Jason Summers. “This free event is sponsored by the college’s Human Resources Office, the Kinesiology Club and the Wellness Center, and as in previous years, will provide residents with access to life-saving information and screenings, in an effort to help them make better health decisions.”
The event could not come at a better time, Summers says. According to a 2010 survey by the University of Texas Health Science Center, 23 percent of Baytown area residents are in poor health. Additionally, 24 percent of children are at risk for weight-related conditions, 53 percent of women do not regularly screen for breast cancer, 31 percent are unscreened for cervical cancer and 44 percent of residents are unscreened for colorectal cancer.
“The statistics recently published by UT Health Sciences are a major cause for concern,” he explained. “Although national media attention on health and wellness issues has helped make Americans more aware of the general risk factors, many people remain apathetic towards their health.
“Some believe eating right, exercising, and following a preventive healthcare program are luxuries only the affluent can afford. Others simply feel as though they don’t have time to take care of themselves, and sadly, many parents and spouses believe taking care of themselves is selfish,” Summers said. “These misconceptions are not only inaccurate, but also deadly. Failure to regularly complete blood pressure, cancer and diabetes screenings can leave major health problems undetected until it is too late.”
To combat this trend, Summers says, the Health Fair will offer free screenings ranging from blood pressure, body mass calculations, oxygen and spinal screenings. Additionally, representatives from San Jacinto Methodist Hospital will be on site to provide participants with information pertaining to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and women’s health issues, while representatives from Curves and Baytown Adventure Bootcamp will be available to help visitors learn more about the benefits of exercise programs.
“Lee College is a community college; we are here to serve the community. If this event helps one person make a healthier choice, then we’ve achieved our goal.”
The Fifth Annual Lee College Health Fair will be held from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday March 26, in the Lee College Sports Arena. The event is free to vendors, Lee College students, employees, and the public.
For additional information, contact Jason Summers at 281.425.6439.