NIU students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity today to gather information on ways to improve their health.

The Office of Campus Recreation and the Employee Wellness and Assistance Program are cosponsoring this year’s Wellness Fair, said recreation center coordinator Fabian DeRozario.

From noon until 6 p.m., the fair will feature 14 community agencies and over 35 NIU departments and organizations that will provide different services and information to live a healthy lifestyle, he said.

One of the services is cholesterol screening, which will be done by the DeKalb Clinic for $5, he said. Anyone planning to have their cholesterol level checked must not have eaten for 12 hours.

People who are interested in assessing their physical fitness must not have any coronary problems and dress for activity.

The rec center also will feature sports demonstrations for people interested in physical pursuits.

Although it began as the Fit Fair three years ago, the name change indicates a focus on more than just physical fitness. People are interested in prevention because of increasing concerns of health care costs, DeRozario said.

With increasing awareness and education, the services will come together to help identify risks and prevent behaviors that can lead to any type of poor health, he said.

According to the National Wellness Institute in Stevens Point, Wisc., wellness is defined in six different aspects: physical, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and occupational.

“Everyone should be most concerned with their personal fitness,” DeRozario said. “I encourage everyone to attend the Wellness Fair to learn about options for personal wellness.”

Wellness and Assistance Program Coordinator Deborah Haliczer said NIU staff and faculty will be allowed time to attend the fair.

“This is a wonderful way to boost morale,” she said. “It should be fun and interesting.”