UFV nursing students offer knowledge for all ages at health fair

Health fair students, 2007

Whether you’re interested in old age heart health or dental care for preschoolers, an upcoming event will have information that can help you or a family member.

On Friday, Oct. 21, the University of the Fraser Valley fourth year nursing students are holding their annual health fair at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford.

At the day-long event, students who are currently taking their community health nursing course will be offering free information on six topics: bone health for women, heart health, drinking and driving for young adults, dental health for preschoolers, child safety for 0-2 year olds, and the benefits of breastfeeding.

Organizing the information fair is part of their community education training, explains UFV Nursing instructor Sheila Edwards. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program pick a health issue to research and then create a display to present the information to the public as part of their curriculum. Students will be actively encouraging people to view their display and engage in discussion. Some will even have games and prizes.

“It gives the students a chance to share what they know about that topic with the public, and allows them to be creative when developing the display and making sure it’s evidence based,” says Edwards. “The public can certainly learn something about topics that may be important to them or their family members.”

“There’s something for everybody,” adds Edwards, citing that there will be information about infant care to older men and women with heart disease.

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. on Friday, Oct. 21 at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in the section near the Dollar Giant.

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

UFV offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate, a certificate in Health Care Assisting, a Dental Hygiene diploma, and a Certified Dental Assisting certificate.

For more information about UFV’s Health Sciences programs, call 604-795-2817, or 604-504-7441, local 2817 or visit www.ufv.ca/health.htm.

For more information on UFV, visit our blog at http://blogs.ufv.ca/