UFV to hold health fair in Chilliwack today featuring screenings, free food and health resources

if (Array.isArray(socast_page.categories) && socast_page.categories.some(category => category.includes('FraserValleyToday'))) { $(document).on('pjax:end', function() { const newPath = window.location.pathname + window.location.search + window.location.hash; window.location.href = 'https://fraservalleytoday.ca' + newPath; } }

CHILLIWACK – The Chilliwack campus of University of the Fraser Valley will host a free health fair today featuring screenings, information, health services, resources and free food.

The Fall Health Fair event happens Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UFV Chilliwack campus, 45190 Caen Avenue, giving local residents a chance to access health education and other resources.

Students from UFV’s nursing and kinesiology programs will be on hand to educate the public on various health-related topics.

Health Fair visitors can enjoy free food while learning about mental health, sleep hygiene, pain management, vaping, and more.

“It’s open to the public for anyone to drop in. Our goal is to promote health and wellness in UFV and in our community through providing health education and a place to connect to local resources,” explains Hannah Mak, an assistant professor in the UFV Nursing program. 

Community resources such as Project AIM, the Chilliwack Public Library, and Health Canada will be on site to share information about their services.

Representatives from UFV’s Indigenous Student Centre and Student Wellness will also host information displays, along with the UFV Trishaw program which gives older adults with mobility challenges the chance to experience nature and build intergenerational relationships with UFV students. This initiative uses specially designed passenger bicycles and is offered through UFV’s Centre for Education and Research on Aging.

“It’s an opportunity for people to see the beautiful Chilliwack campus, explore the wellness resources, enjoy some pizza, and get their flu shot — all in one stop. Come learn something healthy, connect with others, and take care of yourself!” says Susan Stoneson, an associate professor and head of two programs within UFV’s School of Health Studies. 

Every year at the Health Fair, Stoneson says she looks forward to seeing the students engage with the public as they share the amazing things they are learning in class.  

“It is wonderful to introduce people to our great programs,” she says. 

This year, attendees will receive a bingo card, which they can fill out as they visit each booth and answer questions for the chance to win a door prize.  

The Health Fair is just one example of the many ways that UFV tries to engage learners, enrich lives, and build a stronger community. By bringing accessible health education to the local public, the Fraser Valley becomes a healthier place to live, UFV believes. By giving students the chance to put their knowledge into action through sharing their research and promoting public health, UFV prepares the next generation to make a difference in the region and throughout the world.