The morning of November 19, the Terrace Room bussed with energy as the cadets of the Contemporary Health and Physiology class prepared for their final assignment. Throughout the quarter they learned about the intricate and wonderful creation we are from our DNA to the beating of our heart. The cadets learned how our body is more than just physical and how we also need to nourish the emotional, spiritual, social and intellectual aspects of who we are to be wholly well.

The 2009 Health Fair provided an opportunity for the cadets to share an aspect of health and wellness that they were passionate about. It was a culmination of what they had learned and wanted others to know about. The “Exercise Can Be Fun” booth, organized by Cadets Nancy and Juan Argumendo, Clarissa Ochoa and Maureen Lawliss, highlighted the benefits fun exercise through the Wii Gaming System and lively Salsa Dance classes. They prepared refreshing smoothies to help replenish important nutrients after a workout.

Cadets Peter Pemberton, Willie Bland and Brent Church brought to light ways to prevent type II Diabetes and how to help improve the lifestyle and alleviate illness in those who have types I and II Diabetes through exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet. Cadets Kari and Eric Rudd presented the importance of proper shoe ware and gave excellent tips on how to keep our feet in good health, which in turn keeps the rest of our body aligned. Did you happen to try the foot massage??? Ahhhhh….

The booth on detection and prevention of cervical, uterine and breast cancer was one that could save a life. Cadet Jan Pemberton had excellent information on ways to detect cancer and improve one’s outcome if diagnosed with cancer. Those stopping by the booth manned by Cadets Kelly and Matthew Pensabene were engaged in a conversation about food allergies and how food allergies can be attributed to other problems and go undiagnosed and untreated. This was a good eye opener.

The Blood Drive is coming! “Dr. Paul Swain” was accompanied by a lovely white and red blood cells, a.k.a. Cadets Connie Shorts and Jennifer Hood. Their interactive booth showed what a precious gift a pint of blood is to a person who is in need. Look for the notice about the blood drive to be scheduled on campus in January 2010.

Back care was the focus of the booth presented by Cadets Jeff and Michelle Josephson and Dora and Mark Stearns. If you have ever experienced back problems, you know what an important area this is to your overall health. While they provided neck and shoulder massages, the cadets gave excellent tips on how to keep this area well.

The pink apron worn by Cadet Michael O’Brien was an eye catcher as well as the colorful array of organic fruits and veggies presented my Michael O’Brien and Ryan Miller. Cadets Ryan and Michael touted the benefits of organic produce to our bodies as well as the environment. Going organic will help reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers as well as reduce the excess hormones that go into our bodies.

Cadets Marjorie Miller and Jillian O’Brien greeted you with a warm smile and relaxing hand massage with your choice of moisturizer. They answered a barrage of questions on how to prevent skin cancer and what you need to do to nourish your largest organ, your skin.

What the Cadet’s shared in the Health Fair was out of their concern and love for people. I think you will agree that when they are on the field as Salvation Army Officers, they will take very good care of the people in their ministry.

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