Five days of theater, games, and concerts come to Cornell next week, all in the name of health education. The University’s 21st annual Health Awareness Week organizes activities to raise consciousness about health issues and services on campus.
“The theme of the week is general health,” said Harbir Juj ’01, chair of the Health Awareness Week Committee. “We’re trying to reach out to a diverse audience with diverse interests.”
The Gannett Clinical Volunteer Program, an entirely student-run organization, created the theme, “C.U. in Good Health.” It has enlisted the help of such organizations as the Cornell Women’s Resource Center, Panhellenic Council, Cornell University Program Board and the Cornell Wellness Program to present five events throughout next week.
“With these events, we hope to present a broad spectrum of areas of health,” said Erin Hyland ’02, publicity co-chair for Health Awareness Week. “[The events] will cover all aspects of health, including nutrition, exercise, and sexual health.”
Monday features a fireside chat with Prof. Sandra Steingraber, Center for the Environment, concerning health and the environment. A health fair follows on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, students will be able to see “Mirror, Mirror,” a theatrical presentation on body image, and then on Thursday, a variety of fitness activities will be offered at the Cornell Fitness Centers.
A diverse group of performing groups on campus will conclude the week with a concert on Friday.
Friday’s concert will celebrate Cornell’s diversity and is being held in memory of Michelle Evans, the student killed when struck by a bus last spring.
“We started planning for this year’s Health Awareness Week … around when [Michelle Evans’] death occurred” Hyland said. “Some of the volunteers thought having it in her honor would be a nice gesture.”
“It’s good to see that people in the Cornell community still remember Michelle and want to do something to show that remembrance” said Nicole Freeman ’02.
Evans’ father, Paget Evans, will speak prior to the performances.
“People at Cornell get so absorbed in academics that they tend to ignore their health,” said Jeff Ehrenberg ’03. “[Health Awareness Week] will be a great reminder.”
“Health isn’t just seeing the doctor and exercising,” Juj added. “Health Awareness Week is a good time to have fun and learn something.”
Archived article by Elisa Jillson