NIU students had the rare opportunity Wednesday to talk to a tornado-chasing meteorologist, view footage from his latest chase, go on an obstacle course and get a free massage.

These were just some of the exhibits at Wednesday’s 2005 NIU Health and Wellness Fair.

The environmental health and safety exhibit, sponsored by the NIU Department of Environmental Health and Safety, featured a television playing a tape of a tornado chase and offered free safety goggles and ear plugs.

More than 2,700 NIU students, faculty and staff attended the fair, said Karen Smith, NIU program specialist and the event’s coordinator. Attendees could choose among 92 exhibitors who offered free massages, samples and other health services at the annual fair at the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom Wednesday.

Many students enjoyed having hundreds of resources available at their fingertips.

“I really enjoyed this,” said Nacole Burl, a senior community health major. “There was a wide variety of resources available.”

Junior nursing major Taleshceia Powell took advantage of the free massages and said students complain there is nothing to do in DeKalb even though there are events on campus like the fair.

“You have to make the best of it,” Powell said, “and this is one way to do that.”

The fair also featured DeKalb area businesses, organizations and services representing an array of health and fitness interests. Masseuses, doctors, counselors, beauty consultants and other professionals provided samples, services and information.

“Taking care of yourself is the most important thing that you can do for yourself,” said exhibitor Lynne Baker, a Mary Kay sales director. “There are so many different aspects of healthiness represented here. This is a great way for a business to get its name out there.”

Kristi Weydert, the LASIK coordinator at Sycamore’s Hauser-Ross Eye Institute, 2240 Gateway Drive, said she believes events such as these are important.

“Students who participate in events like these get to become aware of the services available and of resources that they may not have even known existed,” she said.

For more information on similar events, contact event coordinator Karen Smith at 753-9191.