By Sara Hanson
After a successful trial last year, the Healthy University of Calgary Week will be back Oct. 24-28. The week will include over 20 events covering all aspects of healthy living from weight issues and fitness to managing stress and nutritious cooking.
“The week is part of a year round effort to celebrate a great place to work and learn,” explained Healthy Living Programs Coordinator Liz Young. “[The activities] are not just open to students, but staff as well.”
Participants are encouraged to book an appointment for a health check which will take place on the Wednesday or Thursday. The assessment, put on by Student Health and the Faculty of Kinesiology, will include height, weight and Body Mass Index measurements, as well as a lifestyle questionnaire that each participant will be required to fill out. The recorded measurements and answers to the questionnaire will then be analyzed to determine if the participant is leading a healthy lifestyle.
“Obesity is becoming a problem younger and younger,” said Young. “We are trying to promote [preventative] health. We want students to know that they’re never too young to start taking responsibility for their health.”
There is an activity for everyone during the week, and all sessions are free of charge; however, they all work on a first come, first serve basis, so students will need to arrive early for the sessions they are interested in.
Other interesting events to note include “Power Over Stress,” an informative session by Dr. Kenford Nedd on Monday; “Balancing Life,” a session especially for students on Tuesday; and “Beans, Beans, and lots of Grain Too!,” a nutrition session aiming to educate vegetarians on how they can include protein in their diet.