On Monday, University of Virginia staff turned out for the first day of the Hoo's Well@ Biometric Screening event. It is a chance to get their health checked and make some extra cash.
UVA staff and their spouses can get a screening that includes blood pressure, height and weight, cholesterol, body mass index, and blood sugar checks.
The screening takes 20 minutes total - 10 with a biometric screener and the other 10 with a health coach. Once tested, participants are paid $75 each. They are also getting services for free that would normally cost an insurance copay.
Novella Thompson, one of the event's health educators, says it doesn't stop at the results; it's also about learning about how to improve their health.
"You know, with knowing [that] you have a high sugar level or high blood pressure, what are some of the alternatives available to you for exercise, nutrition and overall health care - health and wellness," said Thompson.
She says she encourages staff members to come get checked out because the screenings are a preventative measure that can help identify many risk factors ahead of time.
The screening event goes until October 19, and appointments can be made online.
Reported by Molly Balkenbush
