LIVINGSTON-The University of West Alabama teamed with local healthcare professionals Tuesday to offer a variety of free services at their bi-annual health fair. The Health Fair, which took place in the Student Union Building, offered those who wished to participate a chance to test their health in areas ranging from blood sugar to body fat composition.

Certified Personal Trainer and Wellness Center Coordinator Shonna Tatum helped organize the event along with Wellness Center Director Carol Welborn. Tatum said they were using as many local resources as possible to make the fair a success.

“We have Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital and several other people helping out,” Tatum said. “We have Hill Hospital here as well.”

Whitfield Hospital provided blood sugar checks and gave away gift baskets.

Sources for many of the services could be found right on campus. Tatum said there were several University students, instructors and faculty members offering their expertise.

“We had Dr. Gene Mays exercise science class do body composition checks,” Tatum said. “They were estimating body fat. Dr. R.T. Floyd and the University’s athletic trainers also participated in the fair.”

The Health Fair was offered through student services and the Sumter County Health Department. Throughout the day several people took advantage of the free services. It was estimated that just after noon over 100 people had participated. Several more were expected to come by in the final two hours.

Tatum said the strong turnout was encouraging. She said they hoped to hold another fair next semester.

“This is something we would like to do twice a year,” Tatum said. “WE plan to hold one during the fall semester and another during the spring.”

There was much more to the fair than just blood pressure and body fat screenings. Meridian Eye Clinic employees performed eye screenings, and the Sumter County Health Department and Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital also held information booths. Tatum will also provided personal training consultations to those wanting to start a fitness routine.