mesa legend - NEWS - Students made aware of healthcare services

March 7 , 2006
NEWS
Students made aware of healthcare services

Ivy Villaflores
Mesa Legend

A variety of healthcare programs were showcased on Feb. 22 at the Navajo Room. The event was organized by the MCC Wellness Center.
“We are here today to encourage pro-active lifestyles. This fair was put together to heighten health awareness in both personal and professional lives,” said Gail Herndon, the Wellness coordinator at MCC.
Among the booths at the fair was Optimal Health Center, a chiropractic clinic from Tempe.
“We are here to educate people about making better decisions about their health,” Dr. Jonathan David said. “Taking care of your nervous system is essential. Overall wellness should be maintained throughout your life, especially when you are young and can start practicing making good health decisions.”
“For example, we see a lot of neck problems in students who spend a lot of time at the computer,” David said. “Making small adjustments in everyday instances such as that can help your overall back and neck wellness in the future.”
Joe Herrera, an MCC student and football player, had his neck examined by Dr. David.
“I am glad I had my neck checked by the doctor,” Herrera said. “It was helpful to know that there really is a problem. I’m going to have it checked out now.”
The Mental Health Association of Arizona was also at the event.
“MHAA is here to promote mental health awareness and to encourage people to think about looking into career fields in mental health,” said Cynthia Henry, the MHAA outreach coordinator.
“We want people to think outside the box and remind them that mental health is not interchangeable with mental illness. It’s important for people at a college setting to not only take care of themselves physically, but mentally and emotionally as well,” Henry said.
The fair was not limited to physical and mental health advocates. The fair also welcomed Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Jason Blackstock, a youth programs and communications specialist, was there to advocate public awareness and let the community know that victim services were available to those seeking assistance.
“People have a misconception that MADD is a group of prohibitionists, but what we really are is a group that provides victim services that are 100 percent free,” Blackstock explained. “We have a Victim Impact Panel that meets here at MCC that’s been effective. Anyone who wants to volunteer their time is welcome.”
Other services and programs in attendance at the fair were Donor Network of Arizona, Hospice of the Valley, United Pet Care, Arizona Teen Challenge and Blue Cross of Arizona among others.
“This has been a wonderful event,” said Kaylavon Middleton, an employee member of Blue Cross Arizona. “I’ve been able to present Blue Cross to both students and employees, letting them know what is available to them in their healthcare choices and how to make better health choices.”
“Today has been so well organized by the MCC Wellness Center and I think most of the booths here were able to present their causes to a variety of people,” Middleton said.
“I’m very happy with today’s attendance,” Herndon said. “We’ve had constant interaction from both students and faculty, and we’re glad that this fair gave students and employees at MCC an opportunity to check out all the different choices they can make to improve and better their lifestyle.”