Goddard Health Center doctors are trying to keep students healthy this year through several new programs.
A weight-loss support group, an aerobics class for people who need to lose 50 pounds or more and two smoking cessation programs have been created to help students keep fit, said Goddard nutritionist Ron McIntosh.
The weight-loss program is offered in conjunction with the Huston Huffman Center and is divided into two parts, McIntosh said: a support group provided for comfort and an aerobics class to stay in good physical shape.
Nutritional counseling is also required three times during the program, said McIntosh. Counseling includes body measurements, watching calorie levels and learning healthy eating habits away from home.
Accounting freshman Krystal Bolten said she hadn't heard that Goddard was offering the programs. But she said they sounded like a good idea.
"Things like quitting smoking, losing weight and staying in shape will make people feel better about themselves," she said.
Because of limited space, the aerobics class has an enrollment limit of nine people. The program may expand if there is a lot of student interest, he said. The support group will include aerobics enrollees, but so far, the number of participants is unlimited, McIntosh said.
Support from this group is meant to increase camaraderie, to teach and to allow group members to help one another.
"We are trying to show students that they aren't alone," McIntosh said. "To show that if others can get through this, they can, too."
Meeting times are scheduled tentatively for noon on Fridays. However, the group will meet according to the needs of the students.
McIntosh said there was a positive response to the pilot program this summer.
"I am pleased to have a chance to provide a program not offered in the community, but is well needed," said McIntosh.
Goddard's smoking cessation programs are Project KickButt, a two-step program, and Fresh Start, a four-week session from the American Lung Association.
For more information, call Goddard at 325-4611.
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