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Apr. 13, 2007

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Upperclass Task Force hopes to promote student health

If it were up to me, we wouldn't serve any white bread on campus. In fact, pizza crust, hamburger rolls, sandwich bread and tortillas would all be made with whole wheat. I would do away with doughnut, even though I love them.

Call it healthy eating detox. I would force students to eat well by only offering the most nutritious options.

Nudging people to adopt healthy habits isn't always an administrative initiative. For years, students demanded that we distribute condoms on campus (we do) and that we not sell cigarettes at the bookstore (we don't).

I consider that a mandate. Students don't have an inalienable right to white.

Should student health be a concern of the University? The members of the Upperclass Task Force felt it should. So does the University Health and Safety Committee, which is awaiting a report from yet another committee. Indeed, when asked if living on campus has helped students develop a healthy lifestyle, over half were neutral or disagreed.

The committee is simply looking at concepts that would make it easier for students to lead a healthier lifestyle. Tops on the list are healthier options through Aramark. Whether that means removing all unhealthy options remains to be seen. (Tuesday cheesecake night is probably untouchable. After all, dairy IS a food group.)

While there are more options in Mabee, fewer quick, healthy options exist in Coates. Aramark is committed to expanding its healthy options for next year.

In the fitness area, universities are taking it up a notch, too. The reason: most students today have been members of private health clubs before coming to college, and many universities are emulating that environment to attract students.

With that in mind, could we - and should we - do more? Offer personal training services, aerobic classes for students or massages?

Should students pay for these services individually from Tiger Bucks, from a special mandatory fee (at a time when we cost just plenty), or should we build in costs into tuition?

Most importantly, should resources that could go toward teaching and learning be spent on healthy lifestyle options?

Lastly, can we do more to promote healthy living through education? In a time when student time is fragmented, getting them to programs on sexual health, the very practical "Optimal Buzz" program led by Richard Reams or ones on nutrition are a challenge. So is getting students to read the electronic Health 101 newsletter.

Nevertheless, shouldn't Trinity offer preventative workshops and help students learn about health for life? Managing your health is equally as important as managing your career.

The next step for this latest committee is to summarize some recommendations and see what sticks. We can't force students to go to bed early, drink less beer or even eat wheat.

But, we can make it easier for them to feel that living here helps them set healthy patterns for life. The mind matters here. So should the body.

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