This year’s program will include an added itinerary, Sleep and Stress, along with Hydration, Physical Activity and a fruits and vegetables consumption log.
Last year, IU Energy worked with 76 participants. This year, IU Energy Founder Bobbie Saccone said she anticipates more student ?enrollment.
“We have the resources for 100 students in the fall and 100 students in the spring,” Saccone said.
The fall session, open to all students, began Oct. 20 and will run through Nov. 18. Students can choose to attend a session either Monday or Tuesday every week.
Dr. Beth Rupp, a member of the medical staff at IU Health Center, teamed up with Saccone last year to brainstorm ways to help students incorporate general health into their lives. Saccone said she is grateful the Parent’s Fund of IU is able to make this program free for students.
Students receive a complementary health assessment evaluated by IU medical students. The assessment consists of optional evaluations such as body mass index, blood pressure, carbon monoxide exposure and stress.
Along with the evaluations, students are given a customized energy plan constructed by health ?educators, registered dietitians and fitness professionals. Students will also have multiple opportunities to individually speak with health care professionals to discuss individual questions and concerns.
The program is designed to work with the life of a college student by providing the tools, resources and strategies for general wholesome living. Students will receive aids such as a complimentary water bottle, reusable lunch bag and pedometer.
At each session, several speakers will provide ?instruction pertaining to the weekly theme, along with 15-minute demonstrations and discussions in an effort to help students implement the information into their lives.
“Most people know what healthy behaviors are, but knowing and actually doing are two different things,” said Catherine Shepard, a dietitian who works with ?Saccone.
Shepard and Saccone said they are both excited for the newest addition of the program, Sleep and Stress.
“This year students can learn about aromatherapy and have a sample of essential oils. They will learn stress reduction and relaxation techniques and how to achieve healthy sleep patterns,” Shepard said.
Students will receive ?personalized goals and tracking sheets to record daily objectives, such as intake of water and steps taken.
“Our health instructors make realistic goals,” Saccone said. “Much of the time, students just don’t understand how (to implement these goals).”
The staff members at IU Energy will be interacting with the students daily for inspiration and ?encouragement.
“We tell them about campus and community resources that are linked to the community — like the Jill Berhman Run,” Saccone said. “We tell them about free activities all over Bloomington, not just within campus. We even tweet every day.”
Students can also access additional resources online, like shopping lists and more advanced readings specific to their concerns.
Saccone and Rupp constructed the program after reviewing the statistics of 2013 American College Health Association’s National College Heath ?Assessment.
“Only about 5 percent of college students are eating enough fruits and vegetables,” Saccone said. “When we talk about physical activity, just shy of 50 percent of students are getting enough physical exercise every day.”
This year, the program organizers are planning on including more interactive resources and demos, Saccone said. Students will have the opportunity to taste different types of waters, such as coconut and cucumber.
“So many health issues with college students are interrelated, so this year we are really incorporating more enjoyable and fast interactions,” Saccone said. “Much of the time, we want and intend to do something, but often it becomes difficult. That’s where IU Energy comes into the picture.”
For additional information, locations and times, students can visit the IU Energy website, ? energy.indiana.edu .
