With swimsuit season just around the corner, it’s no wonder the goal of many people is to get in shape. But being in shape isn’t just about having a trim body, it’s about living a healthy lifestyle.

This week, at the regional campuses, Kent State will try to assist students and employees in living that healthy lifestyle.

HealthFest 2005, a week-long event that includes health screenings, fitness classes and prizes, is being held at each of the regional campuses.

Each campus has planned its own events for the week, said Jim Jadallah, academic program director of physical education, campus life and employee wellness at the Stark Campus.

“We have a different theme each day,” said Jadallah. “Some of the themes are ‘Fun and Relaxation,’ ‘Physical Nourishment,’ and ‘Screening and Evaluation.’ ” 

At the Stark campus, events include a Latin dance workshop, Pilates classes, skin cancer screenings and cholesterol checks.

The event is geared toward employees, but students are also welcome.

“We want to see if employees are interested in things like Pilates or spinning classes,” Jadallah said. “And some of the stress management classes will really benefit employees. But students are definitely invited to participate.”

Most of the events scheduled during HealthFest are free and sponsored by area vendors.

Dr. Ray Leone, chief university physician, has offered his services for the skin cancer screenings, Jadallah said.

“This is a great service -— to see a dermatologist,” Jadallah said. “Usually you have to wait six months to get an appointment with one.”    

Some screenings performed by hospitals, such as cholesterol and glucose, require a fee, which varies at each campus.

Deborah Woods, career development coordinator at the East Liverpool and Salem campuses, said that the Salem campus will present a film about breast cancer, women’s stress and weight.

Wednesday, an all-day event featuring local hospitals will raise awareness about organ donation, Woods said.

Candy Solterbeck, secretary to the dean at the East Liverpool Campus, said the fest will have programs such as, “Ask the Pharmacists,” where pharmacists will answer questions about prescription drugs. A dietary program featuring body fat analysis will also be available.

The YMCA will have Yoga demonstrations and a program about how exercise can be beneficial, Solterbeck said.

Jadallah said any student or employee who completes at least one program will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize. Prizes include a Starbucks or Borders Books and Music gift certificate and two Cavs tickets.

“Students and employees are eligible for a prize,” Jadallah said, “But the student prizes are awarded in smaller increments. We just want to give the employees some incentive to get involved.”

All students and employees are invited to attend HealthFest at any campus.

For a complete listing of events at each campus, go to www.kent.edu/administration/hr and click on “Health Fest 2005 Brochure.”

Contact regional campuses reporter Erin Hopkins at [email protected].