On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, students walking along Raider Walk had the opportunity to speak with representatives from different organizations of the community and Moorpark College’s campus to learn different ways to improve their health.

“I hope the students enjoy the experience and learn something to stay healthy,” said Health Educator Allison Barton.

Along Raider Walk individuals were able to speak with over a dozen different booths, of which the American Cancer Society, Ventura County Behavioral Health and the Free Clinic of Simi Valley representatives were present to promote a healthy living.

Barton, who has been organizing the event since last May, said she contacted previous year’s representatives and chose the organizations students enjoyed best. Students can fill out surveys to give feedback that will be used to determine next year’s venders, said Barton who is in her first year at MC.

“The hardest thing was finding services most beneficial for students,” said 22-year-old Public Health major and CSUN Student Caroline Gill. She is also a MC health center student intern.

The Center, which works with a division of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, was there to spread the word about HIV and AIDS. STDs spreads through sharing hypodermic needles and unprotected sex, said The Center Representative Catherine P. Pedrosa. The organization offers free and anonymous HIV testing and it takes 20 minutes.

“[The Health Fair] is very informative,” said Daniel Roberts, 20-year-old kinesiology major.

While walking through the Health Fair, one notices the different attractions booths have to draw individuals in. The Community Pregnancy Clinic had fetus models on their table and The Center was handing out condoms and instructions on how to use them. Other booths had cold water and snacks, few had large wheels to spin, all had literature on their organization and some even had ways to test your current health.

The Moorpark College Associate Degree Nursing Program was checking blood pressure and Flex Club was taking body fat readings and inspecting students for muscle imbalances.

They take a large plastic C-clamp looking device called a caliper and measure skin folds on the biceps, triceps and stomach. After some calculations and a reference to the Durnin-Wormersly Body Fat Percentage Calculation chart, Flex Club members can tell you your body fat percentage on the spot.

The muscle imbalance check is a little strenuous for the curious on-looker. The victim is placed in front of a Flex Club member and made to do over head squats while being examined for muscle imbalances. They are looking at the anterior view of the foot and knee, the lateral view of the back, upper body and head, and the posterior view of the foot and the upper body, according to the Corrective Exercise Chart. As they do this, a list is being referenced and marked for the imbalances.

After about 3 minutes or so of over head squats, the participant is given a chart showing them their muscles imbalances and what muscles they can strengthen to correct the imbalance.

“I like [the Health Fair] a lot,” said Angie Orellana, a 26-year-old forensics major. Orellana went to each booth and was caring an arm load of schwag.

The Health Center holds campus events once a month to promote healthy living amongst MC students.