NC State University Recreation and NC State Dining are making strides to encourage students to get involved with exercise and healthy eating throughout the month of February.
The American Heart Association specifies February as American Heart Month to motivate Americans to get active and eat a heart healthy diet to decrease the risk of heart attack and heart disease.
Lisa Eberhart, registered dietician for NC State Dining, acknowledged the issue of student health on campus.
“Obesity is a big problem on campus,” Eberhart said. “Thirty percent of people in general are obese and I’m sure that is reflected in our statistics on campus.”
NC State has the resources, professionals and strategies for students to get active and healthy and remain optimistic. Heather Sanderson, an associate director of University Recreation, sees 80 percent of undergraduate students annually at the facility.
“I am impressed how our students make it a priority,” Sanderson said. “Students are realizing the value of being active as it pertains to stress management and the social aspect.”
The recreational center is challenging students, faculty and staff to a Move30 campaign that aims to motivate student to 30 minutes of physical activity per day, no matter what that may be.
“But being active doesn’t mean going on the treadmill or taking a fitness class, or play a sport,” Sanderson said. “It can be walking, leisure, mind and body or yoga.”
For students just getting started in heart health and fitness, Sanderson suggests walking to start off.
“Take the long path to where you are going or if you like to be social, check out a group fitness class or stream workouts to be able to do them anywhere,” Sanderson said.
Sanderson has also done research in cognitive exercise and found benefits relating to staying active and higher scores.
“If you are physically active right before a quiz or test, we know that you have higher scores,” Sanderson said.
When heading to a dining hall this month, Eberhart encourages students to look for a red dress icon on recipe cards that denote heart healthy choices.
“Every day at NC State we’re trying to be the healthiest campus in the country,” Eberhart said. Every day we try to get students to decrease intake of sugary beverages, watch their fats. We always try to cook with healthy fats on campus. Overall, health is a priority in dining.”
Dining is also hosting their “Go Red for Women” event on Friday in Talley Student Union. They will be engaging students in a healthy eating demonstration and passing out recipes, while also partnering with University Recreation to provide students with their body mass index and blood pressure numbers.
According to Eberhart, engaging in a healthy diet can help students in a variety of areas.
“A healthier diet is going to make you feel better, sleep better, you will have more concentration,” Eberhart said. “Diet is one thing you have a lot of control over, and people can start really simply by looking at their plates. Is half of it fruits and vegetables? How colorful is your plate?”
NC State Dining is also blending American Heart Month with Black History Month for a demonstration on healthy soul food cooking at 1887 Bistro in Talley Student Union.
“We’re doing something as part of health month called [Food for the Soul],” Eberhart said. “It’s part of Black History Month, we have two chefs here on Feb. 5 and they are doing a cooking demonstration about making soul food healthier, and a little bit lighter.”
Students can visit NC State Dining’s website to find more events throughout the month.
Students warm up for a fitness class in Carmichael Recreation Center on Aug. 14. The gymnasium holds a variety of classes all week ranging from yoga to cycling.
