University Kicks Off Safety, Health & Wellness Initiative Tues., Sept. 9

Texas A&M International University will announce activities for the "Safety, Health, and Wellness Initiative '97 - '98" during a kickoff to be held Tuesday, September 9 at 12 noon in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library-Administration Building (room 319).

Members of the University and the community at large are invited to attend this free event. Refreshments will be served.

The first activity for the Initiative will be a Health Fair scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. outside of Canseco Hall on the University's main campus, 5201 University Boulevard.

Other activities for the Safety, Health, and Wellness Initiative include a series of free lunchtime talks and ongoing health programs.

Scheduled lunchtime talks are: "AIDS--The Human Toll," Oct. 8; "Alcohol/Drug Awareness," Oct. 22; "Campus Safety/Preventing Assault" Nov. 12; "The Smoking Heart," Nov. 19; "Making Sure Finals Don't Finally Kill You!" Dec. 10; "Successful Weight Reduction," Jan. 28; "Heart Healthy Living," Feb. 11; "Fitness Through Aerobic and Resistance Training," Feb. 25; "Rites of Spring: Preventing and Overcoming Sports Injuries," Mar. 4; "Sexual Diversity Panel Discussion," Apr. 29.

The "Fitness Through Aerobic and Resistance Training," scheduled Feb. 25 will be held from 12 noon - 1 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

All other talks will be held from 12 noon - 1 p.m. in Bullock Hall room 101.

Presenters will include local physicians, health care professionals, and University faculty.

Persons who attend the talks are invited to bring their lunch to the presentations. Beverages and light snacks will be served.

Other scheduled events for the Initiative include a Blood Drive Nov. 5, the Great American Smoke-Out Nov. 20, a Clothesline Project Exhibit Apr. 1 - 3, the signing of an Abuse Awareness Proclamation in mid-April.

Ongoing health programs include a hypertension support group, aerobics classes, and walking group.

The "Living with Hypertension" support group headed by registered nurse Natalie Burkhalter, Assistant Professor of Nursing at A&M International, meets the first Monday of each month from 12 noon - 1 p.m. in Canseco Hall room 118.

"Afternoon Aerobics," lead by fitness expert Dr. Jeffrey Cass, Associate Professor of English at A&M International, meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:15 - 6:10 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

"Noon Aerobics," led by aerobics instructor Lydia Cardenas of the Buena Vida--Health Department Program meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 noon - 12:50 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

A "Walking" group headed by Marta Stineff, Project Coordinator with Lado a Lado--Gateway Program meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12 noon in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

For more information on Safety, Health, and Wellness Initiative Activities, please contact the University's Office of Student Health Services at 326-2235. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Information may also be obtained by email at acantrell@tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu