UNA’s College of Nursing will host “Leo’s Feel Good Fest” for the third consecutive year, with plans for activities and booths to be set up in Harrison hall on April 9.
After the event begins at 4 p.m., attendees will first check in at Harrison Hall, and then they will be encouraged to visit what the fest has to offer. The fest will include a variety of stations that aim to promote wellness. Guests are encouraged to visit each station to learn about a particular topic, presented by students from each department under the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Dr. Lisa Harrington, nursing professor and lead organizer for the event, said, “This is really just giving them an opportunity, an authentic learning experience about providing community education that promotes health and wellness on a very broad level.”
Students in UNA’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program will highlight information about emotion regulation and trauma informed care. Level two nursing students will present display boards that showcase different health and wellness apps that people can use to help track or improve their health.
“I am excited for them to share their knowledge,” said Occupational Therapy Program Director Dr. Laura Smith. “Our students just did a simulation where they were talking about emotion regulation and trauma informed care, and they were really collaborating. I think it’ll be interesting to see how well they will share that knowledge at this event.”
Active and energy-based activities during the event will be found in Harrison Hall, including a hip-hop cardio class and exercise bands.
Stevens Hall will hold more of the “zen” activities, including yoga, a massage station, stress-ball making and a sensory room. The massage station will be first-come, first-serve, and guests can sign up for one at the registration table.
Guests will earn punches on their respective punch cards (obtained at check-in) after visiting each station. Before 6:45, participants should make their way back to submit their punch cards to be entered into the giveaway.
Items included in the giveaway are an hour-long massage presented by Angel Touch, two $20 gift cards from Level Up Nutrition and one $25 gift card from Lister Hill. The grand prize has been donated by the Renaissance and includes a two night stay, dinner at the 360 Grille, breakfast at Swampers and a $200 spa package.
Dr. Harrington made note of the lack of coping skills with people when it comes to their personal health, so “Leo’s Feel Good Fest” serves as a “buffet” to show individuals just how many tools are out there.
“When people find stuff that works for them, that rejuvenates them, and that sort of grounds them, it provides them with something they enjoy,” said Dr. Harrington. “It’s good for their mental health and their physical health, and it builds resilience.”
