Newswise — As the new year gets underway, many people make the resolution to lead a healthier, more active life especially after all the rich food they consumed during the holidays. Whether those resolutions actually come to fruition, it’s hard to say. But thanks to a proactive cadre of doctoral students, the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) already has a fitness program in place.
The “SON Fit” program, which includes yoga, Zumba, a “Biggest Loser” competition, and a stair-climbing club called “Step it Up!”, began in Fall 2011 in response to an all school-wide survey of JHUSON faculty, staff, and students. Respondents (n=304) reported that their workload as a student, faculty, or staff “definitely” affected their level of stress (78%) and health (47%). Furthermore, 60% of respondents reported gaining some weight over the past year, with about half of those respondents gaining more than five pounds. Furthermore, growing evidence such as the longitudinal Nurses’ Health Study, suggests nurses put their own health and well-being second to the care of others and/or professional development. Over time, this makes them increasingly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.
“People are well aware of the risks of cardiovascular disease, but a large percentage still don’t take active steps to reduce that risk,” noted JHUSON doctoral student Tam Nguyen. “The idea of SON Fit was to give people with busy schedules a chance to engage in physical activities that were both fun and healthy. It’s been a tremendous success.”
The SON Fit program was designed to serve as a catalyst toward improving not only the culture of wellness in the SON, but also creating lifelong commitment toward becoming living ambassadors of health and wellbeing.
Since its inception, SON Fit has focused on the desire and need to cultivate wellness throughout the School. To date 50 people have signed up for yoga; 48 for Zumba; 60 for the Biggest Loser competition; and 18 for Step-it Up! Within the Biggest Loser competition alone, participants collectively aimed to lose a ton of weight (literally, 2,000 pounds). Through support from the University and the School, all the activities are free of charge for all participants.
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The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is a global leader in nursing research, education, and scholarship. The School and its baccalaureate, master’s, PhD, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are recognized for excellence in educating nurses who set the highest standards for patient care and become innovative national and international leaders. Among U.S. nursing schools, the Hopkins Nursing graduate programs are ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit http://www.nursing.jhu.edu.
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