 "Photo: Jennifer Jansons")
Austin, Travis County and the University are shifting their focus in health toward preventive medicine this year and flu season.
Wednesday's Wellfest echoed the movement by handing out flu prevention kits to passing students.
"With such a shortage of flu vaccinations, we're trying to prevent students from getting the flu," said Leah Arnett, assistant director of the Student Health Center. "The University and Austin are both very proactive."
The University's flu packets include antibacterial hand gel, information brochures and the nurse's 24-hour hot line number.
This event has been occurring the past 30 years and had 32 organizations represented at this year's health fair, including many University Health Services organizations.
Students at the Wellfest could have free five-minute massages or samples of Jamba Juice. Also present was the Rape Aggression Defense Systems group, with two participants in blue-and-red full-body protective gear. Athletic trainers were on site to measure body-fat indexes, as were nutritionists to help students create a healthy dietary plan.
The focus on physical health shows the growing concern for obesity and physical fitness. Austin is ranked 19th of the 50 most populated U.S. cities in the 2004 Men's Fitness list of "fittest cities," falling from the 13th rank in 2003.
Travis County's Health and Wellness Report, released Wednesday, describes Austin as a "young and relatively fit population." The report also shows evidence that obesity and diabetes in young people and seniors are increasing.
To fight this problem, Austin and Travis County are implementing a new Five Steps to Wellness Program, which focuses on health and wellness strategies within the community, workplace and school. This program is aimed at preventing obesity, diabetes and asthma, while increasing and promoting exercise, improved diet and tobacco control. Part of the strategy includes the smoking ordinance passed by Austin City Council and the removal of sodas and candy from school vending machines.
"Austin has many programs to better health care and the community, many of which are unique to the area," said Bob Corona, assistant to the director of Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department.
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