CNHP Students and Faculty Offer Health Screenings to Veterans
May 23, 2012
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On May 21, Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions participated in Philadelphia’s Veterans Council Resource Fair. The event was hosted in the Philadelphia Inquirer Building at 400 N. Broad Street. Faculty and students conducted a variety of screenings for veterans, including blood pressure, eye exams, and blood glucose; as well as behavioral health indicators such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, couples counseling, and addiction.Mary Beth Geyer, a junior nutrition major, led the body mass index screenings. Geyer said, "A lot of them were surprised to find out that they were overweight or obese." In order to give them the tools to turn around these results, handouts were offered on healthy eating, physical activity and risks of being overweight. Joe Champion, 51-year-old veteran, said he came to the event specifically for Drexel's offered evaluations. “This was helpful because I don't have health insurance," he said. “I try to eat right and exercise on my own," he added. His screening results indicated that he was doing "a pretty good job,” he said. Drexel's participation in the event was organized by Dr. Leland Rockstraw, associate clinical professor and assistant dean for Simulation, Clinical & Technology Academic Operations at the College. “It was a pleasure to see the students and faculty provide vital health screenings for our Philadelphia Veterans. Their commitment to community service while maintaining a robust school calendar demonstrates a level of commitment to civic engagement, which, in my mind, is remarkable."
