The Commerce Times

The Healthy Student: Not a Myth

March 14, 2010 0 | By Ksenia Voynova

Trying to implement your New Years Resolutions into your daily routine? February is time for change, as you still have three to four months to get yourself in your dream physical and mental condition before summer. The Ryerson Annual Health Fair, hosted in the student campus center, came to the rescue on Jan. 20 with its tips and tricks to help students get a fresh and healthy start this year.

One of the organizers of the fair, Heather Grebler-Lush, said ‘The main idea of this event is to show students what’s available on campus and what’s covered under the Ryerson Health Plan”.

The event started off with a n introductory speech from Ryerson University President, Sheldon Levy, followed by speakers on healthy, smoke-free living. Each speaker had a very different experience with smoking, but all of them noted that getting support can be a turning point for those who try to quit and often there is never enough people who will help you from the beginning to the end.

The good news is Ryerson offers this support through “Leave The Pack Behind” team, which is a part of the Health Promotion on campus. They understand that quitting smoking, although beneficial, is an extremely hard thing to do as nicotine is among the most addictive substances. Because it reaches a smoker’s brain within three seconds, a person will experience continuous cravings and this craving is satisfied in a matter of seconds. After the first puff, it is so tempting to have ‘one last cigarette’. Support is available to students through courses and workshops that are offered at the POD 448 (call (416) 979-5000 x6619 prior to coming).

For those who want to quit on their own, Health Promoters outlined some basic tips: set a date, write down reasons for quitting, let everyone know about your plans and ask them not to smoke around you, and avoid some events that may trigger your smoking for a month or so.

The fair also had plenty of booths promoting health and well-being. For example, Health Promotion team which consisted of Peer Mental Health, Active Nutrition, and Sex, Substance, Safety Booths.

Students and volunteers gave advice on the spot and informed visitors on where to get additional help. “We do free nutrition counseling for students, if anyone has any questions that are nutrition-related, we can help at our office,” explained Maria Vlahek, who is an active health promoter, as well as a fitness instructor, and a nutrition student at Ryerson.

“For example, if a student is vegetarian, we can educate him or her about sources of protein available.” All you have to do is send an e-mail to eatwell@ryerson.ca and they will organize the meeting with a third or fourth year nutrition student.

The Recreation Center was also there to advertise their services. Emilie Trottier, who is a CanFitPro assistant, explained the benefits of joining RAC, such as group classes as well as personal training sessions, although for an additional fee. “However, if you don’t know where to start personal trainers can help with ideas, pointers and suggestions for free. Ask them questions if you have any”, she added. Also new this year, RAC offers eight-week Boot Camp, that started on Feb 1, which includes nutrition classes, personal training sessions, and progress checks. The eight-week program costs $300 for students.

Another big news item on campus this year is an Eat Smart approval of the main cafeteria and its certification by Toronto Public Health. They are eliminated meals with excessive fat, adding more barrels of fruits. Lastly, Vlahek said the best tip that she would give to someone wanting to eat healthy is “Become familiar with the Canada Food Guide. Eat a variety of foods, don’t get stuck with fast food!