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Free Flu Shots, Health Measurements, More at Expo

Employee Health and Fitness Expo returns Oct. 15 and Oct. 17

Faculty and staff can receive a slew of free information and services at the Health and Fitness Expo, including blood pressure checks, flu shots and more. Photo by Duke Photography.
Faculty and staff can receive a slew of free information and services at the Health and Fitness Expo, including blood pressure checks, flu shots and more. Photo by Duke Photography.
By Bryan Roth

Duke's Health and Fitness Expo will take place in three locations - Duke Raleigh Hospital on Oct. 8, Durham Regional Hospital on Oct. 15 and the Searle Center in the Seeley G. Mudd Building on West Campus on Oct. 17.

The annual event, a one-stop shop of health and wellness information, is sponsored by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program, and features a variety of speakers, health screenings and an opportunity for staff and faculty to receive a free flu vaccination with valid DukeCard.

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"Having a healthy lifestyle is more than just managing weight, it's about feeling good physically and mentally," said Lauren Updyke, health education manager with LIVE FOR LIFE. "That's why we try to offer a very holistic approach at our Health and Fitness Expo so visitors can not only measure their overall wellness and find ideas to maintain or enhance their health."

Among the highlights of this year's events will be a series of health talks during the Searle Center expo Oct. 17. Duke doctors will present on topics including how to exercise to reduce injury risk, how too much sitting impacts health, relaxation techniques and how to combat stress. Presentations begin at 11 a.m. and a full schedule is available online.

Among the popular activities at each event, employees will have the chance to have free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings as well as vision screenings.

"I enjoy going to the health fair because I usually learn something about the health enhancement options that are open to us and to get a better perspective on what I need to do to stay healthy," said John Barefoot, professor emeritus in the Division of Medical Psychology. "The latter reason is why the various exams, including the eye exam, are helpful. They raise my awareness of the kinds of things that my need my attention."

During the expo, employees can also learn more about Duke's health and wellness benefits. At each location, representatives from Duke will be on-site to answer questions about health, vision and dental benefits just in time for the annual open enrollment period, which runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 2.

Other expo highlights include:

  • Presentations on how to cut excess calories in a diet.
  • How to boost metabolism with the help of Zumba and boot camp-style workouts.
  • Sign-up opportunities for free health and wellness groups like Duke's Run/Walk Club and tobacco cessation programs.

In addition to health and wellness information, attendees will also be entered to win prizes like gift certificates for Duke Stores and fitness equipment.