With midterms just around the corner, students may choose to study until 3 a.m. instead of getting the recommended eight hours of sleep.  Students have the tendency to become absorbed with schoolwork that maintaining wellness often slips students’ minds.

The annual Wellness Fair, sponsored by University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), was held Wednesday, Oct.12 in the University Center Hamilton room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campus and community vendors educated students on the three aspects of wellness including physical, emotional and financial wellness.

“Today is just one glimpse of wellness, the goal is to continue that wellness throughout your entire life,” Wellness Educator, Erica Fischer said.

Along with therapy dogs, other fair favorites included free chair massages, games, food samples and art therapy.

Various student organizations, such as Students for a Green Earth (SAGE) had booths to recruit new members. The University Police and Credit Union also had booths promoting their services. Community vendors included the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin and Whitewater’s local bicycling advocates.

UHCS offers students free services to fit their mental and physical needs. Students are able to receive flu shots, contraception, physical exams and other services at the Ambrose Health Center, located at 710 West Starin Road..

“A lot of students I talk to forget that we exist,” Valerie Vargas, Wellness Coordinator said.

Medication and other tangible items do require payment.

UCHS holds various events throughout the year and speaks to new student seminar classes to inform freshmen about their services.

Free counseling services, whether big or small, are offered to any student, free of cost, fitting into the fair’s second aspect of wellness: emotional health.