Health festival set Saturday at NCRC

Editor's note: News Molecules are designed to give readers occasional tidbits of information about the N.C. Research CampusBy Emily Ford

eford@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS—You don't usually find an event called Food Fear Factor at a health fair.

But the N.C. Research Campus wants its first health and wellness festival on Saturday to stand out as a bit unusual.

"We're trying to break away from the health fair as just a place for blood pressure checks and glucose tests," marketing director Phyllis Beaver said.

The festival will include health screenings and other events that appeal to seniors.

But much of the day is dedicated to kids and families.

Everything kicks off at 10 a.m. with a 5K race and a fun run. The stage events include exercise demonstrations and a hula hoop contest, but the biggest draw could be Playing With Your Food and the Food Fear Factor starting at 2:30 p.m.

Children will eat food they might find a little scary.

Like broccoli. Or seaweed.

The kids with the most adventurous taste buds win.

"It's a fun way to introduce children to new tastes," Beaver said.

University partners will offer speakers throughout the day on topics like obesity and metabolism — more proof that the schools with a presence in Kannapolis are committed to community outreach, Beaver said.

"It's a great opportunity for us to showcase the spirit of collaboration," she said.

Seminars include:

- 10 a.m.: Childhood obesity

- 11 a.m.: Are we destined to be lazy?

- Noon: Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

- 1 p.m.: Where genes and culture collide

- 2 p.m.: Exercise, weight and health

- 3 p.m.: Facts and fables about metabolism