How Universities & Colleges in the US are trying to keep students fit?

With the cost of healthcare and insurance rising every year, academic institutions are now encouraging students to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Many college and universities are undertaking schemes and programs that include making provision for nutritious meals as well as infrastructure needed for physical activity. They also carry out regular campaigns against unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcoholism.

In this blog, Student Cover tries to cover the steps taken by universities and colleges in the US to keep students fit in their campuses.

1. By Setting up no Smoking zones in Campuses

Institutions like University of Maryland have already made their campus smoke-free, way back in 2013. Now, more and more institutions are adapting to the idea of banning smoking (at least in public places) in their campuses. Some of them also provide counseling to students who are smokers but want to quit smoking. For those who still wish to smoke, certain areas have been designated as exclusive smoking zones so as to protect the non-smokers from getting affected through passive smoking.

2. By Offering Healthy food

Realizing the role that nutritious food plays in keeping a person healthy and free from disease, colleges and universities in the US are now offering students healthy meal options. These are specially prepared meals that contain right proportion of vitamins, minerals and protein and are contain low amounts of carbohydrates, fats and other unhealthy contents.

3. By Going Organic

While preparing healthy meals, some educational institutions have gone to the extent of directly sourcing vegetables, dairy products and other food items directly from organic farms located in the vicinity of the institution. These products contain no or very small amount of fertilizers and other chemicals whose consumption could have harmful effect on human body in the long run. Some academic institutions with large area have also started building their own organic kitchen gardens in the campus.

4. By Encouraging Physical Activity

Universities and colleges in the US have the best infrastructure when it comes to sports and sporting activities. However, unlike earlier times, these institutions are also promoting outdoor physical activities such as cycling, jogging and other activities by providing the appropriate infrastructure. For example, University of California has long stretches of roads only for bikers who wish to cycle their way to their classes. These exclusive cycles lanes are spread over 1000 acres of land. Universities are also providing outdoor sports such as rock climbing by building indoor climbing center.

5. Through Counseling and Awareness programs

Realizing that having appropriate infrastructure is not always enough for students to adopt a healthy lifestyle, college and universities in the US regularly conduct workshops and counseling sessions to create awareness among students. These workshops and counseling sessions helps students get information and guidance with regard to healthy eating, living and lifestyle.

Let’s wrap up!

Being healthy not only saves money but also leads to success and happiness. Universities and colleges in the US are now actively promoting healthy lifestyle among students by providing healthy diet option as well as infrastructure for physical activities. They are also taking help of professional in the field of dietary science and physical education to increase awareness among students on matters related to health and nutrition.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is based on personal research of the writer. Readers’ discretion is advised. Neither Student Cover nor the writer will be held responsible for any wrongful interpretation of the content of this blog.