Those interested in learning about health and wellness will have the chance to garner interactive advice from UFV nursing students next week.

On Friday, Oct. 19, University of the Fraser Valley fourth-year nursing students will be holding their annual health fair at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford, in the section of the mall near the Dollar Giant.

At the day-long event, students who are currently taking their community health nursing course will be offering free information on the following topics: smoking cessation, osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), pertussis (whooping cough), nutrition for school-aged children, exercise for school-aged children and teens, and dental care for preschoolers.

It’s a beneficial event both for students and the public, explained UFV Nursing instructor Sheila Edwards.

“This gives students a chance to be creative when developing a display, and provides the opportunity to educate the public in a fun way,” said Edwards. “In addition, the information will educate visitors, and help connect them with community resources to better inform them on specific topics.”

Displays will cover topics for all ages, and will use different approaches, such as games and raffles.

“This is all about letting the nurses get more hands on,” said fourth year student Subeg Sandhu, who is taking part in the upcoming fair. “It’s about sharing research-based information to help parents help themselves, and their kids.”

The smoking cessation display will provide information on how to quit smoking, and direct people to support in the province.

Students educating visitors about osteoporosis will touch on prevention, and the importance of a calcium rich diet.

On the topic of hypertension, students will be taking blood pressure throughout the day.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a particularly important topic, said Edwards. The outbreak is still ongoing in the Fraser Valley, so it’s important to have immunizations up to date.

Another important issue for youth is nutrition and exercise.

“Both topics are a concern in our Canadian population, so it’s important to start kids early with nutrition and exercise, so they can carry it into adulthood,” said Edwards.

Dental care will also be discussed, as students will be helping parents to ensure their kids have proper care.

UFV nursing students have hosted the public health fairs for more than 10 years. This year, the event takes place on a professional development day, allowing school-aged kids to observe and take part.  The health fair will run from 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

For more information about the event, contact Sheila Edwards at 604-795-2817, or 604-504-7441, local 2500, or email her at Sheila.Edwards@ufv.ca