View Larger Image Mande Corbett tells fair attendees about the Stocked & Reddie food pantry.
Mande Corbett tells fair attendees about the Stocked & Reddie food pantry. Image by Bryan Clifton

Team UAMS Turns Out in Force for First Health Fair

By Yavonda Chase

| Nearly 1,300 members of Team UAMS turned out Oct. 15 for the first UAMS Employee, Student Health Fair.

Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, tests drives an elliptical trainer at the Employee and Student Health Fair.

Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, tests drives an elliptical trainer at the Employee, Student Health Fair.Bryan Clifton

“I am absolutely thrilled with the turnout,” said Wellness Director Natalie Cannady. “I honestly never expected this many people to attend, but I think it shows that UAMS employees and students are very interested in wellness.”

The Hospital Lobby Gallery was packed with vendors from UAMS and the community, including the Fitness Center, the Student Center, Student and Resident Wellness, the Employee Assistance Program, the Office of Human Resources, Walk with a Doc, AR Tourism, UARK Federal Credit Union, Stocked & Reddie, TIAA, Your Total Fitness Shop, Fidelity, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UMR, Cycle Bar, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Bill Lennartz (left) serves up popcorn at the health fair.

Bill Lennartz (left) serves up popcorn at the health fair.Bryan Clifton

Nutrition Services made popcorn and banana ice cream for the crowd, while the SPOT therapy dogs were on hand to provide their fans with some canine affection. Student and Employee Health administered flu shots. Massage therapists from Arkansas Healing Arts gave 10-minute chair massages, which proved to be one of the most popular attractions at the fair with employees lining up before the therapists even arrived.

Massage therapists from Arkansas Healing Arts offered 10-minute chair massages during the fair.

Massage therapists from Arkansas Healing Arts offered 10-minute chair massages during the fair.

“The massage made my day,” said Jamie Thornton, a program coordinator in Internal Medicine. “Ashley from Arkansas Healing Arts was simply wonderful. I’m so glad Get Healthy UAMS put this fair on for employees and students!”

Jeffery Edwards from Occupational Health and Safety brought his fire extinguisher simulation with him to the fair, along with examples of fire hazards his group had found at UAMS. By 1 p.m., he had already provided fire safety training to more than 100 employees.

Jen Doughty, who works in Student Financial Services, said she really enjoyed the fair, especially the fire extinguisher training.

Jeffery Edwards from Occupational Health and Safety explains how to use a fire extinguisher.

Jeffery Edwards (left) from Occupational Health and Safety explains how to use a fire extinguisher.Bryan Clifton

“I have never used a fire extinguisher, so this was a first for me,” she said. “I think I can use one correctly now, and before today, I couldn’t have said that.”

Wendy McCloud from the Office of Interprofessional Education (IPE) said the turnout at the IPE booth had been fantastic, with lots of students and employees signing up for more information.

“The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation toothbrushes, which we were able to provide because of a grant, have been a huge hit,” she said. “We are thrilled with how many people we were able to reach today.”