The Alternative Education Health Buzz aimed to provide alternative activities to alcohol consumption through recreational sports Oct.18 at the Student Union Mall.
"The average college student spends around $900 on alcohol per year," were some of the taglines on banners that marked the event in the mall.
"The main aim of the event was to increase alcohol awareness and introduce students to alternative activities that serve as a healthier option. Alternative activities also provide the same high as alcohol," said Jodie Clark, Health Education Coordinator and organizer of the event.
As an example of alternative activities, a rock wall and a mechanical bull ride were installed. Enthusiastic students came out to try their hand at both activities.
The ravaged remains of a 1973 Ford Mustang stood out as a silent testimonial to drunken driving in front of the SU.
Posters stuck on the side of the car narrated the story of Daniel James Meyers, a prominent athlete who was killed in the car when it was smashed by a pickup truck driven by a drunken driver at an east Richardson intersection.
"It is sad, but such vivid images do help in raising awareness," said Jay Belmarez, a biochemistry junior.
Games and information booths were also part of the event. The games aimed at testing the participant's knowledge on alcohol awareness.
One involved concocting a mock drink and answering questions about reactions to different situations at a bar for different body alcohol percentages.
The winners received candy, pens and key-chains. Among the other freebies being distributed were blood alcohol level (BAL) calculators that compute the BALs in the blood and display their effects on the body.
Pamphlets were given away at the information booths on the various recreational activities happening in campus.
The pamphlets included information regarding facts about alcohol abuse and the effects of alcoholism. The pamphlets also highlighted information on various recreational sports taking place at the Activity Center including the aquatics program, intramural sports and fitness programs.
"It is a nice way to spread awareness," said Anabel Chavez, biology sophomore.
For more information, contact the health center at 972-883-2747.
