Get a free health screening or try your hand at the popular climbing wall when West Virginia University’s Student Recreation Center celebrates National Collegiate Health&Wellness Week, March 8-11.

The week begins at 4 p.m. Monday with events and opportunities anyone in the Morgantown area can take part in. Events include free screenings for cholesterol (for the first 56 people), glucose, eyes and blood pressure; a body fat composition test; a relaxing chair massage; a lecture onSafety Tips for Spring Break,and an American Red Cross blood drive.

All eligible WVU employees and their families can use the facilities at the center for free that day as well.

On Tuesday, Dave Harshbarger will speak about the Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease, a lifestyle modification program that may enable people to reverse some of the symptoms of coronary artery disease. His presentation gets under way at 7 p.m. in the Recreation Center meeting room.

Throughout the rest of the week, the Recreation Center has planned many activities to increase public awareness about the importance of staying fit and healthy.

A Wellness Week Modified Triathlon will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Competitors have to swim 450 yards (nine laps down and back), bike four miles and run two miles. The winners, one man and one woman, will each receive an MP3 player. Anyone interested needs to pre-register at the front desk.

The WVU Recreation Center takes National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week very seriously for many reasons,said Sherri Restauri, Student Recreation Center program manager.

We attempt to make every effort to promote the wellness of the University community through our schedule and activities, not only during the week, but throughout the year.

There are other events such as free aerobics classes, scuba diving and a family swim night. For a complete schedule of activities, go to www.sa.wvu.edu/studentrecreationcenter/index.shtml and click on National Collegiate Health&Wellness Week.

As we developed the schedule of events for Wellness Week, we try to consider the diverse population we serve,said Restauri.These events appeal to all ages and activity levels. Now is a perfect time to explore options for developing a healthier lifestyle.