Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its annual Health, Wellness and Benefits Expo on Oct. 18 during which members of the Eastern campus and surrounding towns visited the Student Center and took advantage of free health screenings and browsed the offerings of more than 50 health-related vendors.

Vendors included area hospitals and health clinics, as well as organizations that specialize in alternative fields such as naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. Financial and insurance companies were also in attendance, as well as representatives of state agencies and Eastern’s own health-related departments.

“This health fair has got to be one of the most important events for bringing community organizations to Eastern,” said Diane Marion, a massage therapist who has been coming to Eastern’s health expo for nearly 20 years. “It introduces students and the public to all the different health fields and organizations in the area.”

Highlights included complimentary massages by Changes at Hand; posture analyses by Hebron Family Chiropractic; mini acupuncture treatments by Traver Garrity Accupuncture; stress screenings and talks on essential oils by Mawson Wellness; a therapy dog known as Bella the Pug, who was available for petting; flu shots by Western Connecticut Home Care; screenings for sexually transmitted diseases; and more.

Speaking to the role financial health plays in overall wellness, Natasha Belton, retirement counselor with Prudential, said: “We’re here to support retirement wellness. Financial checkups should definitely be included in yearly routines like doctor visits. Health and wellness includes monitoring your finances and retirement picture.”

Departments on campus hosted a variety of important booths: the Eastern police department simulated alcohol intoxication with Fatal Vision Goggles; Health Services gave blood pressure screenings; the Women’s Center gave pregnancy tests; and Chartwells offered nutritious snacks like apples and hummus.

“There’s such a variety of organizations and all in one place,” said Judi Pepin of Pet Partners, owner of Bella the Pug. “If you want to find out about health and wellness, this is the place to be.”

Organized by Eastern’s Student Health Services and the Office of Human Resources, this was Eastern’s 24th annual health expo.