New SIUE Program Helps Students Battle the “Freshman 15” with Healthy Habits
The new Fit into College program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is targeting the dreaded “Freshman 15” by educating first-year students on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
For many freshmen students, college brings new responsibilities such as transitioning away from regular exercise through sports, making food choices independently and learning to balance new schedules, all of which can lead to a fluctuation in weight and the creation of unhealthy habits.
“Research shows 70 percent of college freshmen are not getting the recommended fruit and vegetable intake and 30 percent are inactive, meaning no exercise at all,” said Emily Buelow, SIUE graduate student and program instructor. “Weight gain, inactivity and a poor diet can lead to a poor quality of life and even chronic diseases.”
Fit into College is a nine-week program that highlights nutrition basics, workout nutrition, stress management, how to eat on a college budget, maintaining motivation and overcoming barriers.
“Our goal is to help students build the foundation of a healthy lifestyle,” Buelow added. “The ultimate goal is to have students overcome any barriers that stand in their way such as social situations or stress. Along with preventing chronic diseases and problems associated with obesity, being fit is extremely beneficial for mental health, as it can help fight depression and anxiety. It can also lead to better sleep and build self-esteem.”
The program is an interdisciplinary effort involving multiple University units including campus recreation, health service, dining, the Department of Health Education and Kinesiology, among others. It demonstrates SIUE’s dedication to high-quality learning within and beyond the classroom.
“Everyone was willing and eager to collaborate and create this focused approach to reach our new students and help improve their health, and hopefully create permanent healthy habits,” said Amanda Couch, fitness coordinator in Campus Recreation.
Photos: (L-R) Randi Stark, of Worden; Instructor Emily Buelow, Margaret Popke, of East Peoria; Hannah Greenwalt, of Hoffman Estates; and Ryan Gueldener, of Moro.
Hannah Greenwalt cuts an apple during the Fit into College program’s course on nutrition.
