Campus services offer health testing to students
Shemiah Latin
Issue date: 3/8/10 Section: News
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Along with many other students and faculty, Watson is not the only one who worries
about her health.
Denise Cordova administrative
specialist also worried
about hers but decided to do something. The ending results shocked her.
In the fall of 2009, The Student
Health Services began a program called Reddie for Wellness.
This program is an individualized
risk assessment and health improvement program offered in the Student Health Center. This program is free for Henderson students, but for faculty, staff and administrators,
the charge is $15 to cover testing supplies. "I am so down for it.
"We had to have the test screenings for a class; that was free. I think it's a great idea," said junior mass media
major Lindsey Gordon.
Students, faculty and staff often wonder how they can prepare for a major health improvement.
"Students, faculty and staff can prepare
for Reddie for Wellness by making a commitment
to healthy lifestyle changes," said Kerry Stark, RN-C and director of the Student
Health Center.
"One of the first ways to get started is by scheduling an appointment in the Student
Health Center."
When Cordova began testing
in 2009, she was mostly curious about what her readings
would be.
"I was surprised because they were so high," she said. After it was all said and done, Cordova's journey began to take place.
Cordova said, "I was in denial,
I continued to eat and I even became very ill."
Reddie for Wellness program components the following laboratory test and screenings: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol, total cholesterol/
HDL ratio, Framingham Risk Assessment, blood pressure,
body fat, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference
and Sagittal Abdominal
Diameter (SAD).
Students, faculty and staff must be fasting after midnight
the morning of the test. Testing is followed by individual strategies to help improve test results.
Kerry Stark recommends at least 30 minutes of cardio a week.
"You have to do a lifestyle change along with eating healthy and having a positive attitude," Stark said.
"By living a healthy lifestyle,
you can help prevent high numbers in screenings, but genetic factors can also play a role."
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