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.