College Relations
Salem State Wellness Center serves as healthy inspiration
March 6, 2004
CONTACT ---Julie Danahy at 978-542-7500 or email j_danahy@salemstate.edu
SALEM - The 8th annual Wellness Fair and Road Race at Salem State College holds different meanings for all of its participants. For some, it is a day to get out in the community to learn more about personal health and wellness. For participants like Dr. Louise Swiniarski, a professor of education at the college, it is a celebration of her renewed dedication to physical fitness.
Swiniarski, a resident of Salem, began her association with the Wellness Center in 1996, the same year that it opened. The 65-year-old mother of two adult sons was looking for a way to improve her health and become more fit. For the past eight years, she has maintained a solid relationship with the facility and all of its staff workers. "The Wellness Center gave me the confidence to start running. I never did it before. The staff has been so supportive," said Swiniarski.
Swiniarski's humble goal for the 8th annual Wellness Fair Road Race is simply to finish. "I am not a competitive person. I run for personal satisfaction and to have fun," she said. Swiniarski announced that this year she had convinced a colleague to participate. Dr. Michelle Pierce, also of the education department, will run alongside Swiniarski at the college-sponsored event.
To train for this year's race, Swiniarski worked-out at the Wellness Center and swam in the O'Keefe Center Pool. She also takes to the streets a few times a week for preparation. "I usually run around my neighborhood. This must amuse my neighbors, but I have fun," she said.
The 8th annual Wellness Fair run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 25 outside of the O'Keefe Sports Complex on 220 Canal Street. The North Shore Wellness Fair will take place from 10 a.m. 2p.m. at the O'Keefe center. There will be both indoor and outdoor informational exhibits, free health screenings and live entertainment. Free raffles will be ongoing. A lecture series hosted by some of the areas most noted health specialists and a rock climbing wall are new to the fair this year.
Major sponsors of the event include the North Shore Medical Center, The Salem Evening News and The City of Salem. For more information call Joe Dunn at 978-542-6537 or visit www.salemstate.edu/wellness/
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