Visitors to Wingate University’s Health and Wellness Fair will get an inside look at heart health this year, thanks to a giant inflatable and interactive exhibit of what is arguably the body’s most important organ.
The 13-foot-high MEGA Heart, billed as the world’s only portable, walk-through heart exhibit, will enable visitors to step inside the heart, learn about cardiovascular functions, see examples of various types of heart disease, and check out displays of some of the latest medical treatments for cardiac problems.
Organizers of the university’s second annual health fair, set for Feb. 16 at the Union County Agricultural Center, say the MEGA Heart is the perfect complement to services that will range from vision and hearing checks to medication counseling and take-back.
Wingate’s health sciences students will host the fair’s Kidszone, where children will be able to trace their bodies, create healthy snacks and get advice on how to manage heavy backpacks without injury. Future physician assistants will perform oral health screenings for adults and children, and will help Community Health Services of Union County educate participants about diabetes, hypertension and other issues. Students in Wingate’s doctor of physical therapy program will offer fall and balance screenings, diabetic foot screenings, and posture and ergonomics checks and will give exercise advice. Nursing and pharmacy students will also man a variety of booths.
Health-fair visitors who pre-register will be able to take advantage of multiple screenings, including body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and diabetes risk. They can also sign up via links on the events tab of the university website, wingate.edu, to donate blood or request dental services.
Free snacks, raffles and giveaways, and demonstrations of zumba and yoga, will also be part of the fair.
The Wingate University Health and Wellness Fair includes oral exams.