MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- Marine Corps Community Services hosted the annual Fitness and Wellness Expo aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 18.
The 7th annual Fitness and Wellness Expo theme was, “Choose Well, Live Well,” to kick off the 101 Days of Summer Drug and Alcohol Prevention Campaign. The expo promoted healthy lifestyles through educational materials, interactive activities, fitness demonstrations, health screenings and a farmer’s market.
Everyone aboard the depot, including family members and retirees were invited to attend the event.
“This expo is to get the depot new health information through ideas outside of the box,” said Andrea Callahan, the health promotion coordinator for Semper Fit.
A local farmer’s market was set up with fresh fruits and vegetables for sale. Out of all stations, the market received the most attention, said Callahan.
“Fresh fruits and vegetables are not usually easily accessible for most people,” said Staff Sgt. Dail Salmon, maintenance manager, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “Having them here benefits farmers and people like me that like eating fresh foods, not canned vegetables.”
Other events at the expo included interactive kiosks designed to encourage physical wellness included a rock wall, tire flipping and pull up competitions. Other information about negative impacts of tobacco and alcohol were also available.
Among the educational and interactive kiosks, was a mobile blood drive, giving them the opportunity to donate blood to those in need. The Armed Services Blood Program uses the blood donations for those in the armed services.
“Hosting a blood drive at the Wellness Fair is a great way to promote the efforts of the Armed Services Blood Program, encourages blood donation, and healthy individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. You never know when you or a loved one may encounter a medical situation where a blood donation is needed,” said Callahan.
Last year the expo was a big hit because most people look forward to coming out to the market place which promotes healthy lifestyles, despite the rain, this year was no different, said Callahan.
Sgt. Maj. Wayne Pedersen, Support Battalion, said he enjoyed having the information that wasn’t normally welllocated to the depot Marines accessible.
“If the people see what’s available to them, maybe they’ll go seek out more information,” said Pedersen.