Stephen F. Austin State University

SFA School of Nursing students will sponsor a health fair today in the University Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., checking blood pressure and glucose levels, raising awareness of health issues and giving away dozens of door prizes in the process.

Karen Migl, clinical instructor in the school of nursing, said the fair was organized by 43 students in a leadership class that she referred to as the “capstone course” for the nursing program.

“This is where they apply what they learned in their management course,” she said. “Nursing is about service to others, and through this fair, the students are serving their community.”

Students enrolled in the course each fall sponsor a booth at the Pineywoods Fair. Last fall, more than 900 free flu shots were administered at that event, Migl said.

This semester, students organized the health fair at the University Center. By mid-afternoon Monday, the students had already served several hundred students.

One of the event organizers, Belinda Daniel, said “empowerment” is a word that is often used in nursing.

“Just as we are empowered as students in the nursing program, we want to empower students on campus to take control of their health,” she said.

Booths at the health fair included information on nutrition and eating disorders, vision, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, contraception, smoking, cancer prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse.

By checking students’ blood pressure and glucose levels, Daniel said nursing majors are not only hoping to detect any problems, but also to raise awareness of preventive measures.

“If any of the students have family histories of diabetes or high blood pressure, we can talk to them about ways to prevent those problems,” she said.

A blood drive also is planned in conjunction with the fair, and Daniel said a long line of donors Monday was a good sign that the goal of collecting 15 pints would be met and surpassed.

Megan Wood, another event organizer, said local businesses donated in excess of $7,000 for the event.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

Crystal Odom, a graduate student from Jasper, attended the fair and brought her 5-year-old daughter, Tanasia with her.

“Since I don’t go to the doctor on a regular basis, I’m really glad they’re doing this,” she said.

The fair will continue today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with door prizes being given throughout the day. Prizes include gift certificates to local retailers and restaurants, and a couple of iPod Shuffles.