The Healthy Campus Initiative

Korrin B.

October 23, 2010 - 6:00 PM

The Healthy Campus Initiative

Taken from the Healthy Campus Initiative Website:
"The Healthy Campus Initiative is based on the belief that healthy students, faculty, and staff are more likely to achieve the ambitious goals set forth in campus strategic and academic plans. Through collaborative efforts across campus, the Healthy Campus Initiative hopes to create a culture in which the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle is valued, physical and mental health is fostered, and all members of the university community are encouraged to take responsibility for choosing to be well.

This past Friday, I took part in the Healthy Campus Initiative by participating in the Fun Run and Walk with the President. I attended as part of the PPPM Internship Program team! This was an unofficial team, but nevertheless awesome. The event was a lot of fun and it was neat to learn more about this program starting up at the University of Oregon.

The event started with some opening remarks. The microphone was being powered by students riding bicycles, creating kinetic energy that way. It was so Eugene and so very beautiful. In the opening remarks, I learned that the University is currently looking to hire someone to lead this Healthy Campus Initiative. I also like that the initiative isn't just focused on exercising, but also emotional and physical health as well. It aims to create well-balanced individuals, which will help us all to excel in life even more. President Lariviere also spoke, reminding us to exercise, get sleep, wear sunscreen, and, with a chuckle, wear a hat.

The runners started off on the course first and then the walkers began their mile. The walk was a nice one that looped around the campus. It reminded me how short a mile can feel and how easy it is to add a little activity into your day. It is also very nice to have a walking partner to chat with.

At the end of the mile, walkers and runners received raffle tickets for some great prizes and I am still crossing my fingers that I will receive an email saying that I have won! There were also many booths set up throughout the EMU that revolved around different parts of health and wellness. One of my favorites had to have been the free massage table. After I received my massage, the people around me laughed, saying I looked like I was glowing. Needless to say, it convinced me to set up a full massage at the UO Student Health Center. It is just such a great way to relax and get rejuvenated during one of the toughest parts of the term. I also received some great freebies at the booths, including a reusable water bottle to replace my beloved one that I lost within three uses. I vow to have a longer relationship with this one.

While the booths were going on, the amphitheater was filled with students enjoying the entertainment of the student a cappella group, On the Rocks. I was filled with the endorphins of exercise and wellness and the soul-nourishing connection of the campus environment and I soaked up the moment. This is my last year here. It is such a special place. It felt good to be a student that day and I hope to take some of what I learned from this Healthy Campus Initiative event Friday and carry it with me throughout the rest of the term. I think this initiative had its intended effect on at least one campus member that day.