Event included free mammogram screenings.
By Karenna Reyna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Women’s Health Fair March 26 in Loftin Student Center attracted many participants, from Planned Parenthood to a local aromatherapy business.
There were about six booths, along with a mobile mammogram van in the mall area.
Mary Dayton, student success adviser, made kale and banana smoothies for the students.
She said it was a good turnout and she appreciated all the support from contributors.
“Vendors were able to meet students and plan future (connections) with them.” Dayton said.
Planned Parenthood promoted its need for more volunteers because funding has been cut, said Mohamed Ali, the representative at the agency’s booth. Planned Parenthood provides health services like STD testing, birth control and health insurance for low-income clients.
Though it traditionally helps women, the agency also offers men’s health services like cancer screening, infertility testing and health exams. Volunteers help promote awareness about options for people with no health care, said Ali. There was a sign-up sheet for students who want to volunteer.
Visit www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/jobs-volunteering.
Young Living Essentials, a business that provides non-synthetic healing oils, also attended the fair.
Jill Scoggins, a massage therapist, mentioned many uses for oils.
Different aromas help with healing, like lavender helps with scarring, scratches and bruising. Lemon oil will benefit the memory and is great when studying for school. These all-natural oils can sometimes replace over-the-counter medication, Scoggins said. Each scent has a purpose and can improve wellness.
These products are sold online at www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/.
The UT Health Science Center booth informed students about cancer awareness and prevention.
Research shows ovarian and breast cancer are the highest in hereditary cancers, according to UTHSC literature, which included information on prevention, healthy habits and signs and warnings to look for if cancer runs in one’s family.
The University Health System conducted the mammograms and clinical breast exams without a fee in the mobile mammogram van.
Most patients were screened prior to the appointment, but UHS also took walk-ins. Each screening took about 15- 20 minutes.
Sylvia Valdez, a nurse conducting the screening, said it ended up being a great turnout for a college campus. By the end of the day, they had seen around 25 patients.
“It is a great opportunity for those who haven’t had the time or forgot to get their yearly exam,” Valdez said.
The Health Fair was one of the last events that closed out Woman’s History month at this college.
Dayton said they plan for another health fair in the fall semester.
“It is a great way for students to get the resources they need.” Dayton said.
