2008 Woodie Awards
Freshman 15 proves true
By: Jessica Cochran
Issue date: 1/22/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Incoming college students gain, on average, 7.8 pounds during their first semester, according to a study done by The Obesity Society in Boston in late October 2006. The study reported that a third of the freshmen-both males and females-gained at least 10 or more pounds once their first year was completed. Over 900 students from a public university in the Midwest were involved in the study. One of the main reasons for the weight gain was the easy access to unhealthy food.
Just stepping on campus, it's easy to see at least half of PUC's student population is obese.
Of course several factors are to blame for obesity, as the study discusses. Stress, problems at home and lack of exercise all play a role in obesity with students, in addition to the easy access to junk food. Another reason may involve the lack of time- most of students are full time, taking at least 12 to 16 credits a semester.
Despite the reasons, students need to take advantage of alternatives given by the university in order to stay healthy and fit. With many universities offering healthy food alternatives- instead of basic vending machine food- there should be no reason for students not to eat healthier or not take advantage of exercise while on campus between classes.
PUC does offer a variety of healthy food. At the Oaken Arbor Café, a fresh salad bar is available for those vegetarians and for healthy eaters. Granola bars and fresh fruits can be found near the salad bar. The occasional cups of fruits are also located in the refrigerators for a small price at Arbor Café, Outtakes and the CLO Grab 'n Go.
PUC also has a fitness center with very flexible hours. If a student's school and work schedule require free time only during the night, the fitness center is open until 11 p.m. They also open as early as 5:30 a.m. for those who work in the early morning and attend night classes.
Utilizing these facilities can and will assist a student in maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Students, especially freshmen, need to make exercise and eating healthy part of their lifestyles for the sake of their health.
The freshmen 15 may not be a myth in the future, especially if students fail to take care of themselves.
Just stepping on campus, it's easy to see at least half of PUC's student population is obese.
Of course several factors are to blame for obesity, as the study discusses. Stress, problems at home and lack of exercise all play a role in obesity with students, in addition to the easy access to junk food. Another reason may involve the lack of time- most of students are full time, taking at least 12 to 16 credits a semester.
Despite the reasons, students need to take advantage of alternatives given by the university in order to stay healthy and fit. With many universities offering healthy food alternatives- instead of basic vending machine food- there should be no reason for students not to eat healthier or not take advantage of exercise while on campus between classes.
PUC does offer a variety of healthy food. At the Oaken Arbor Café, a fresh salad bar is available for those vegetarians and for healthy eaters. Granola bars and fresh fruits can be found near the salad bar. The occasional cups of fruits are also located in the refrigerators for a small price at Arbor Café, Outtakes and the CLO Grab 'n Go.
PUC also has a fitness center with very flexible hours. If a student's school and work schedule require free time only during the night, the fitness center is open until 11 p.m. They also open as early as 5:30 a.m. for those who work in the early morning and attend night classes.
Utilizing these facilities can and will assist a student in maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Students, especially freshmen, need to make exercise and eating healthy part of their lifestyles for the sake of their health.
The freshmen 15 may not be a myth in the future, especially if students fail to take care of themselves.
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