Hardin-Simmons University’s Health and Wellness Fair is back at the Fletcher Fitness Center on March 28 at 11:00 a.m.
The fair will be offering students, faculty and staff an opportunity to explore a variety of wellness resources. Organized by the Department of University Recreation in collaboration with HSU Counseling Services, the event continues to grow as this year is boasting more than 30 vendors from the Abilene area.
“Hardin-Simmons University's Department of University Recreation is extremely passionate about mental, physical and spiritual well-being,” Jessica Buford, assistant director of University Recreation said. “This sparked the idea for the Health and Wellness Fair some many years ago.”
Attendees can expect interactive activities, giveaways and opportunities to engage with local health and wellness professionals. A highlight of this year’s event is the addition of Bloom Abi, an Abilene-based florist offering a ‘build-your-own bouquet experience.
“Our department has allotted for the first 75 people in attendance to make their own bouquet free of charge,” Buford said. “Our hope is that in having Bloom Abi as part of our event, attendees are positively impacted emotionally.”
Other activities include a granola and trail mix bar, free chair massages and the UREC Dead Hang Challenge. The fair will also feature a raffle with prizes ranging from $15 to $200 in value, including a walking pad treadmill, a trendy addition aimed at encouraging movement while studying.
Buford emphasized the crucial role of local professionals in shaping the event. “Community organizations and local professionals are truly what make this event,” Buford said. “These professionals bring to HSU the emerging trends in their fields and share those trends with the HSU community, which in turn leads to the next generation of professionals being healthier and happier.”
For first-time attendees, Buford recommends engaging with as many vendors as possible. “My advice for students planning to attend the event is to go talk to as many booths as you can and participate in any interactive activities offered,” Buford said. “This will ensure that students get the most out of the event and will increase the likelihood of students winning raffle prizes.”
The Health & Wellness Fair aligns with HSU’s ongoing commitment to fostering student well-being. “Our event allows students to learn more about the opportunities that HSU offers to be healthy and well,” Buford said. “With each year, we typically make changes to expand the event and make it more accessible to students.”
Looking ahead, Buford hopes to introduce group fitness mini classes in future fairs to further enhance engagement. “What drives my passion for health and wellness is the positive impact that health and wellness practices have had on my mental, physical and spiritual well-being,” Buford said. “This translates into the fair's spirit because I want everyone to benefit from a healthy lifestyle in the ways that I have.”
With an exciting lineup of vendors, activities and prizes, this year’s Health & Wellness Fair is set to be the biggest yet, reinforcing the University’s dedication to a holistic approach to student health.
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