ETSU students were treated to an afternoon of fun and games Wednesday as part of the second annual Wellapalooza carnival of health.
In addition to the inflatable games, free snacks, T-shirts, cups, pens and all other conceivable giveaways, Wellapalooza provided students with an atmosphere to examine health-related issues.
Dozens of ETSU organizations as well as local groups set up informational booths to educate students about different aspects of well-being such as nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, hearing problems, stress, sexually transmitted diseases, organ donation and food safety.
“The purpose of Wellapalooza is to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Marsha Ishman, president elect of Eta Sigma Gamma, which sponsored the event. “It also allows campus organizations to promote their activities and what they have to offer students.”
Among the community organizations represented were the UT Agricultural Extension Service, the Sexual Assault Response Center and the Washington County and Johnson City Health Department.
Mountain Regional Donor Services provided students with paperwork to become organ and tissue donors, and AmeriCorps representatives discussed volunteer and service project opportunities.
Nona Shepherd Whisenhunt, an employee of the Sexual Assault Response Center, said the concept of Wellapalooza is a great way to promote student well-being.
“It’s also good exposure for us,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know we exist, so this is good interaction between the university and the community.”
The Counseling Center and Disabilities Services administered an alcohol-screening test, which gave students feedback about their consumption of alcohol and encouraged awareness of detrimental drinking habits. Public Safety, RHA, Campus Recreation and the Student Health Clinic were also on hand.
In addition to the educational aspect of Wellapalooza, students tried their hands at a variety of events, including a pitching booth, a “milk-the-cow” game, a Velcro wall, inflatable human bowling, and an inflatable gauntlet.
After racing with a buddy through the “Gauntlet,” student John Williams said, “This rocks!”
Many participants hope that Wellapalooza will become an annual staple. “I thinks it’s great,” said Barbara Knight of the Student Health Clinic. “Students can’t hope to succeed and accomplish all their dreams if they’re not healthy, so it’s important to educate them about preventative measures now before it’s too late.

Author