|
Second Annual “Health – A Way of
Life” Showcases Opportunities
|
Ex-San Diego Charger Jim Tolbert knows a game-winning
play when he sees one.
He found this one in an old Grossmont College playbook,
dating back to 1996.
It was an event called the “Health and Wellness Fair.”
The fair involved exhibits and panel discussions ranging
from basic health topics to fitness to good diet habits.
Underlying it all was attention focused on the perils of
alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use. It had terrific
significance to college students, but it had not been
presented in seven years.
“There was a void in the campus,” said Tolbert, who at
Grossmont is an EOPS counselor. “No one is talking to
students about drugs and alcohol. They do it in a
four-year university, but we pretend like it does not
happen in community colleges.”
Last year, Tolbert approached Grossmont President Dr.
Ted Martinez, Jr. about dusting off the old fair and
running it in the spring. Dr. Martinez not only
supported Tolbert’s recommendation, but he also went one
step further in encouraging other campus organizations,
students and faculty involved in the event. The result
was the very successful 2003 Health and Wellness Fair.
Thus resurrected, the Fair was back on campus this
spring, on April 21 in the Main Quad. The theme was
“Health: A Way of Life.” And the fair had a mascot, Mr.
McGruff.
“McGruff was the best mascot because drugs are the major
contributor to accidents and crimes,” Tolbert said. The
Fair featured a health panel discussion, health
information for all ages, tips on managing diet, vegan
food, health screening, substance abuse information, and
diet and exercise information.
Topping the list was an essay contest open to all
Grossmont students. Associate English Professor Joe
Medina selected a panel of English instructors to judge
the essays, written on the topic, “Drugs and Alcohol.”
Winners were awarded cash prizes.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
