Fat and cholesterol beware, as West Virginia University is about to ramp up its efforts to promote healthy lifestyles.

Starting Monday, March 7, the WVU Student Recreation Center will be the site of numerous health-related activities in conjunction with National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week.

We want to get people more aware of their health,said Sherri Restauri, program manager.We want to introduce them to a better way of living.

Promoting health and well-being among students, employees and the general public is the purpose of the wellness initiative launched two years ago by WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr., Restauri said.

Events begin at 6 a.m. Monday with the Rec Center opening up for free all day for WVU employees and their family members. A valid employee ID is required.

The days main event, the Wellness Week Information/Service Fair, will take place from 4-7 p.m. in the free zone near the entrance of the facility. Anyone can come in and get free glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, chair massages, body fat compositions and a soft skin analysis from the American Cancer Society.

Organizations such as the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, the School of Dentistry and the WVU Student Dietetic Association will staff information booths. There will also be food tables with samples of healthy food, especially fruits and vegetables.

The first days other activities include a blood drive from 1-8 p.m. in the four-court gym and a chance to scale the climbing wall from 4-9 p.m.

Other events throughout the week include a basketball tournament, aerobics classes, introduction to scuba diving and a modified triathlon.

The majority of events take place Monday through Wednesday, but students still can catch an aerobics class and a chair massage on Thursday, March 10.

* SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

*Monday, March 7

• 6 a.m.-midnight WVU freeday (All WVU employees and their families may use the center free with valid employee ID.)

• 1-8 p.m. Blood drive, four-court gym

• 4-7 p.m. Wellness Week Information/Service Fair, free zone

• 4-9 p.m.Try Climbing,Climbing Wall

• 7-11 p.m. 3-on-3 basketball tournament, four-court gym

Tuesday, March 8

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free aerobics class, Multipurpose Room B

• 6-8 p.m. Free Chair Massage, upper weight and fitness area

• 6-9 p.m. Discover Scuba with Interstate Aquatics, lap pool

• 7 p.m.-conclusion 3-on-3 basketball tournament, four-court gym

• 9-11 p.m. Flick-N-Float, movie to be announced, leisure pool

Wednesday, March 9

• 4 p.m.-conclusion W ellness Week Modified Triathlon (run, bike and swim), pre-register at the front desk

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free aerobics class ,* Multipurpose Room B

• 6-8 p.m. Free chair massage, lower weight and fitness area

• 6-8 p.m. Family swim night for all eligible members of the Rec Center, aquatic area

*Thursday, March 10

• 6-8 p.m. Free chair massage, free zone

• 7-8 p.m. Free aerobics class,Multipurpose Room B