WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Sept. 27, 2018 — Exercise is Medicine, the global wellness initiative begun by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), is again taking over the West Liberty University campus.
“We’re kicking off another year of wellness from 2 – 5 p.m. on Oct. 3 with games and activities to encourage students to remember that physical fitness is good for them and can prevent common diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure,” explained Exercise Physiology Professor Jason Metz, who is the advisor to the WLU Exercise is Medicine team.
Activities will include a volleyball tournament, a scavenger hunt (intellectual and physical challenge), basketball challenges, group exercise demonstrations, yard game challenges, inflatables and a climbing wall. All events will take place on the quad with the rain location being the ASRC.
Student organization information tables will also be handing out helpful hints for fitness and programming information.
President Stephen Greiner will make an official proclamation at 2 p.m., just as the event begins in recognition of WLU being an official Exercise is Medicine member with Gold Level Status. WLU is one of only two West Virginia colleges or universities taking part in the program at this time and is one of only 24 Gold Level schools nationally.
The office of Student Activities also is assisting in the activities.
Exericise is Medicine (EIM) began on the WLU campus last fall and promotes health through physical activity. The EIM team offers physical assessment and orientation to fitness equipment and the wellness center to all WLU students.
Besides Professor Metz, EIM team members include Associate Professor of Education and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Aaron Huffman and Director of Student Health Services Christy Bennington, R.N. BSN.
Student members and majors include: Tiffany Noland and Caitlin Clarke, Exercise Physiology; Michael Games, Joey Seabright and Blake Williams, Health and PE/Teacher Education; Alenna Farina and Emily Toland, Community Education; Ryota Nakagi, Athletic Training; Dalton Davis, Psychology; Hannah Morris and Paul Geisler, Criminal Justice.
Begun in 2007, Exercise is Medicine addresses the fact that, “Physical inactivity is a leading cause of death worldwide and is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, and several cancers.”
Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) asks universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together toward improving the health of the campus community.
The Exercise Physiology Degree Program at West Liberty University is part of the College of Education and Human Performance, led by Dean Dr. Cathy Monteroso. For more information, please contact Metz at 304.336.8831 or jason.metz@westliberty.edu.