
It’s often said that exercise is the best medicine—and for good reason. Physical activity has been prescribed in both the treatment and prevention of a variety of chronic conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and obesity.
On college ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈes, finding ways to encourage students, faculty and staff to keep moving is an ongoing challenge—one that is embraced wholeheartedly at The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ (UA).
In fact, UA is one of only 156 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) – a nonprofit initiative co-launched by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association—for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
The Exercise Science Club and the UA EIM leadership team in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences on ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ helped the University earn Silver level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program. The award was presented June 1 at EIM’s in San Diego.
Dr. Judith A. Juvancic-Heltzel, interim director for the School of Exercise and Nutrition Services, says UA’s Exercise is Medicine® Leadership team has created a system whereby students seeking health services on ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ are screened using a Physical Activity Vital Sign tool.
If students do not meet general physical activity recommendations, they are provided with materials on the benefits of physical activity and on health and well-being. They are also provided a referral to resources, including the Student Recreation and Wellness Center on ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
Asked about practical tips for increasing movement, Juvancic-Heltzel said, “There are 1,440 minutes in a day, so take 30 each day to enjoy our beautiful ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, take a walk, and explore a part of UA you have never seen.”
For faculty and staff, she recommends getting up every hour to move around: “Adding 250 steps every hour in an 8-hour work- day can add 2,000 steps to your day. Remember, it is never too late to start. Make today the start of a healthier you.”
Learn more about the Exercise Science Club and majors within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, or check out the Wellness Center on ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu