CSU programs help students combat obesity
Colorado has the lowest obesity rate in the United States, but
according to a report released earlier this month by WebMD Medical
News, the state is nearly failing the obesity prevention
battle.
In the report, Colorado received a “D” effort for combating
adult and childhood obesity through state legislation and
action.
The results of this report have some students wondering what CSU
does to combat obesity within its community.
“I did not know that part of our tuition went to wellness
programs,” said freshman speech communications major Danielle
Cohen. “I think I might have heard about it at orientation.”
The United States uses a national health agenda called “Healthy
People 2010″ to help prevent health problems, including
obesity.
CSU uses a set of health objectives called “Healthy Campus 2010”
to set up initiatives allowing students to adapt healthier
lifestyles, said Marcey Wlodarczak, a registered dietician for
Hartshorn Health Service’s Nutrition Services.
The health center also offers a program called “Weight Loss 101”
for CSU students who are interested in losing weight. For $40
students receive four individual appointments with a registered
dietitian, three classroom sessions and a fitness assessment.
“We started “Weight Loss 101″ to help with obesity on campus,”
Wlodarczak said. “It offers diet and exercise advice, as well as
information on healthy habits for permanent weight loss.”
Students also have the opportunity to schedule a one-hour
appointment with a registered dietician for $15 and a follow-up
appointment for $5.
“The cost of an appointment on campus is significantly lower
than off campus, where an appointment would cost around $50,”
Wlodarczak said.
For students looking for free opportunities, the Wellness Zone
on the main floor of the Lory Student Center features different
nutrition-related topics every week. Students can ask a registered
dietician questions, free of charge, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Tuesdays.
A recent topic was “Eating Healthy in the Residence Hall Dining
Facilities,” which offered pointers from how to create meals
on-the-go to how to find fresh foods on campus.
CSU will also be hosting a health fair on Sept. 8. The food
science and human nutrition department will have its own booth
where it will promote the five-a-day fruit and vegetable plan.
Beyond the health center, full-time students pay $64.21 in
student fees to have access to the Student Recreation Center, which
is open daily.
The recreation center offers a variety of equipment as well as
group fitness classes, including a new class called “Training for
Weight Loss.”
Three thousand to 4,000 students visit the university’s
recreation center every day, said Tamar Cline, assistant director
of strength and fitness.
“About 70 percent of the student population uses the rec
center,” Cline said. “I think that’s a great number.”
For many students who exercise regularly on campus, the
facilities are a big convenience.
Callie Clark, a freshman political science major, believes the
recreation center makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
“I think it’s a lot easier (to work out on campus) than it is
living at home because the rec center is right down the street,”
Clark said. “The fact that it’s free is also a plus.”
Rec Center Hours
Monday – Friday: 6 am-11pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: Noon-11pm
Be sure to check schedule.
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