THIBODAUX – Nicholls State University and Thibodaux Regional Medical
Center have teamed to establish “Living Well” – a spring
2010 special topics course in the Department of Allied Health Sciences
that is designed to promote physical fitness, weight control and other
healthy lifestyle choices. The goal is to promote behavior among college-age
students that will reduce the likelihood of obesity-related diseases later in life.
“Several months ago, we approached Nicholls about sponsoring this
special course and received a positive response,” Greg Stock, CEO
of Thibodaux Regional, said. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate
with Nicholls to address an important community health issue. Thibodaux
Regional provides surgical weight loss intervention, including gastric
banding, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery, but we wanted to become
more involved and expand our reach in prevention.”
Students who live in Nicholls residence halls can enroll in the spring
2010 pilot course, taught by a multidisciplinary team from various academic
departments. In addition to receiving standard classroom instruction –
as well as academic credit following successful completion of the course
– students will participate in baseline, midpoint and final wellness
assessments and engage in a variety of physical activities.
“I am delighted that Thibodaux Regional has agreed to support such
a worthwhile initiative,” Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, university president,
said. “The collaboration between our two institutions will empower
students to take control of their overall wellness.”
Simone Camel, program faculty chair, assistant professor and coordinator
of the dietetics program, said the new course “will evaluate the
best ways to engage young adults in our community.”
“We will utilize upper level dietetics and fitness students to act
as peer support – hopefully resulting in student-led campus activities
in the future,” Camel said. “The Nicholls community will benefit
from the increased offerings of exercise programs, including strength
training, yoga, salsa aerobics and cardio boxing. We anticipate that the
improved lifestyle behaviors of our students will positively influence
the health behaviors of their families in the Thibodaux community."
Dr. Michele Caruso, program faculty member, grant co-investigator and dean
of student services, said lifestyle coaching will be an integral part
of the new program.
“Participants will not only have an opportunity to learn about nutrition
and fitness, but also how their thoughts, behaviors and emotions fit into
their decision-making with regard to nutrition and physical fitness,”
Caruso said. “This presents a wonderful opportunity for them to
make long-lasting and meaningful decisions that will in turn impact those
around them.”
Pictured from left are Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, university president; Simone
Camel, program faculty chair, assistant professor and coordinator of the
dietetics program; Greg Stock, CEO of Thibodaux Regional; and Jacob Giardina,
Chairman of the Board of Thibodaux Regional.