AAUW celebrates National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

The American Association of University Women handed out pamphlets and information on different ways students could maintain their health in the Donald G. Bollinger Memorial Student Union on National Women’s Health and Fitness Day.

Wednesday, Sept. 26, is known as National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. According to fitnessday.com, National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a day dedicated to the promotion of women’s health. Every last Wednesday of September is dedicated to this day.

Members of AAUW suggest students consult a doctor for serious questions about health and encourage sexually active students to regularly get tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

On campus, the counseling center and University Health Services are one of the few resources available to Nicholls students.

The AAWU is a fairly new addition to Nicholls campus. The organization was officially started the fall semester of 2017. Membership is open to all students, including men.

Students interested in maintaining their membership must attend at least one meeting per semester, participate in volunteer events hosted by AAWU and pay a fee of $5 per semester.

For students interested in joining AAUW, the remaining meetings are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 24 and 31 in the union.

Ford said AAWU wants women on Nicholls campus to know the resources available to them.

They promote not only physical health, such as breast exams, but also mental health with the counseling center in Elkins Hall.

By hosting feminine product drives and volunteering at domestic violence shelters, AAWU tries to empower women. In addition, they advocate for knowledge against sexual and dating violence.

“AAWU is about making women feel represented on campus,” Ford said.