The Health Science Education Center on Main Street in Clarion looks out for people’s health around the community and the state, but now its wellbeing is in jeopardy.
The center is funded by the state Department of Health, and without funding it would be unable to operate. Nancy Falvo, director of the HSEC, explained that it will be closed March 26 if funding does not become available.
The center serves Clarion County and several surrounding counties. The mission of the HSEC is to promote healthy lifestyles through interactive educational programs for individuals of all ages.
It has served more than 80,000 residents since opening in 2002. On Jan. 28, the HSEC had a record turnout for Clarion University’s fifth annual Employee/Student Wellness Fair.
The fair was held in the Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room and featured free health screenings, healthy snacks, fitness demonstrations and door prizes.
“There was something for everyone on how to improve their health,” said Falvo.
The HSEC recently started its Get Fit, Clarion 2010. This team-oriented wellness program is designed to help members establish healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity and improving nutritional habits.
The Feb. 3 to May 28 program is offered free to all participants. Get Fit, Clarion 2010 provides peer support by having members work in teams of two to 10 employees.
It offers discounted recreation center memberships, a $1 lap walking program daily at the recreation center, weekly newsletters filled with helpful nutrition and fitness information, free fitness classes throughout the program and prizes and give-aways.
The HSEC is also coordinating efforts for the Pound for Pound Challenge. The Biggest Loser television program and partner Feeding America are sponsoring the Pound for Pound Challenge.
Participants pledge to lose weight while helping to feed their community. For every pound a person pledges to lose, The Biggest Loser will donate 14 cents to Feeding America, enough to purchase one pound of food.
These funds go directly to the local food bank. This program is a movement to improve individual health while working to end hunger.
Statistics indicate that 57 percent of adults living in Pennsylvania are overweight or obese; 49.1 million Americans (including 16.7 million children) go to bed hungry each night, and both of these statistics are higher for residents living in rural areas. In addition, if Clarion’s Pound for Pound Challenge sparks their interest, the Biggest Loser producers and its trainers Bob and Jillian will visit Clarion and film the efforts.
To pledge, log onto the Web site at www.pfpchallenge.com and click on “Pledge.”
Then complete the questions. People can spread the word about the Pound For Pound Challenge by becoming a fan and publishing support to their Facebook pages.
Pennsylvania currently ranks sixth in the country for the Pound for Pound Challenge with 5,782 team members pledging 169,277 pounds.
Falvo credited Sandy Amsler, HSEC office manager, for organizing the health fair, and HSEC staff members Cathi Wenner, Angie Harriett, Doug Watson and Ron Radaker, and student workers La’Shawna and DeShawns McHenry for their efforts in making the event a success.
She also thanked Shelly Williams of Clarion University’s Human Resources department, for arranging Healthy U points for the employees attending the fair and points for participation in Get Fit, Clarion.
Some participating at the Wellness Fair were:  Clarion Hospital Houseworks, Clarion County Mental Health, Clarion County Drug and Alcohol, SAFE, F.L. Crooks & Co., Clarion University Speech and Hearing Clinic, American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation, Clarion University HSEC, Tobacco Cessation, Fitness and Nutrition, Women’s Health, Get Fit Clarion/Biggest Loser, Clarion University Leadership Development, Aerobics by Diane, NAACP/”Eat This Not That,” Clarion University Student Recreation Center, U.S. Census Bureau, Zumba by Ivonne Rodriguez of Pittsburgh, Clarion University Lift Every Voice, and Clarion University Career Service Center. Door prizes were provided by: C & A Trees, Walmart, Pizza Pub, Flynn’s Tire, Daddy’s, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, American Red Cross, Reconnecting Day Spa, Sage Meadows, CVS Pharmacy, Eat ‘n Park, Wellness Health Options, Michelle’s Café, Clarion University Book Store, Clarion County YMCA, The Tavern, Long John Silver’s, Captian Loomis, Bob’s Sub Shop, Subway, Clarion Holiday Inn, County Seat, Dan Smith’s Candies and Gifts, Domino’s Pizza, Klingensmith Drug Store, Perkins Restaurant, Destinta Theatres and Sapphire Moon, F.L. Crooks & Co.,
There is still time to register for both Get Fit, Clarion and the Pound for Pound Challenge. Contact the Health Science Education Center at (814) 227-1901 with any questions.