Staff and alumni of the University of Wollongong were introduced to a zen lifestyle at today’s Well @ Work Expo. The event was set up by UOW’s Wellbeing society.

The hall was filled with stalls filled with health professionals, health food advocates and fitness experts. Nurses from the Victor Chang Research Institute were out in force testing cholesterol and blood sugar levels of those who attended.

Nurse from the Institute, Chris, stated that there was nothing more valuable than events such as these because “this is an environment that allows people to ask questions, these events ensure public understanding about preventing and treating serious diseases.”

Free massages were offered as well as free mammograms and gym memberships. The day was focused on teaching staff and alumni how to de-stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Breast Awareness stall, run by Margaret Young was a big hit. “So many women are worried about breast cancer, and all they really want is education. We show women what to look out for, and how to give themselves breast exams.”

The smooth running of the day showed the superb organisation skills of the Wellbeing Society. Guests of the event were taught not only how to help themselves in their health journeys, but how to help the less fortunate, who may not be as well educated on their health.

Stewart Porter, from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said “It’s not just about teaching people that attend about a healthy lifestyle, its teaching them how to spread that education to the less fortunate.”