Throughout the month of October, Shenandoah University’s exercise science department will hold an Exercise is Medicine on Campus 2019 Challenge.

Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC) calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity while encouraging faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.

To celebrate EIM-OC Month, the exercise science department will host programming to promote physical activity on campus, including Walking Wednesdays, which are a chance to take a walk on campus with university leaders and administrators.

The challenge kicks off at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Buzzy statue in front of the James R. Wilkins Athletics, Jr. & Events Center. President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., and Winchester Mayor David Smith will proclaim October to be Exercise is Medicine on Campus Month. The first Walking Wednesday of the month will take place with a walk around campus.

Exercise is one of the most underutilized tools we have to combat negative health and is effective in promoting weight loss, reducing disease risk, and improving mood and stress management. The exercise science department hopes that by focusing on Exercise is Medicine on Campus through the month of October that we can help instill healthy habits that students, faculty and staff can benefit from year-round.”

Jessica Peacock, Ph.D. | Assistant Dean and Director of Academic innovation in the College of Arts & Sciences

Exercise is Medicine on Campus 2019 Challenge

Students, staff and faculty can collect points by attending events and classes promoted through EIM-OC. The more points a person accumulates, the better the chances are of winning a prize, including gift cards, swag bags and Shenandoah University apparel.

Names will be drawn for individual prize winners, and points will be combined by school or division to determine bragging rights for most active school/division. In addition, programs can plan their own EIM-OC events and tag exercise science department social media accounts to earn more points for their school or division. The winning school or division will receive something to display in their main office(s) for the ensuing year. Winners will be drawn at the end of the month and notified by email.

Activities and Points

Below is a list of activities people can attend to earn EIM-OC points. If you attend at least one event from each category, you will earn an additional five points. Every time you attend an event from the list, enter your information in this linked Google form (https://forms.gle/m2xKr3bMf7kudJUy9).

Intramural Sports & Fitness (all 1 point per class/game)

• Barre Works
• Yoga
• Dance Party
• Total Body X
• IM Sports
• Dodgeball League

Shenandoah Outdoor & Adventure Recreation (SOAR)

• Indoor Climbing Trip (3 points)
• Apple Picking (1 point)
• Festival of Leaves (1 point)
• Fall Break Trip (3 points)
• Pumpkin Patch/Corn Maze (1 point)

Exercise is Medicine

• Walking Wednesday (1 point)
• Meet the Professors (3 points)
• EIM pop-up events (1 point)
• Yoga with the Physician Assistant Studies program (1 point)
• Occupational Therapy Fun Run (1 point)
• Activity Bingo (1 point)
• Exercise and Health Professions Club Hike (3 points)
• Hallowellness Party (5 points)

Club/Program/Department Events

5 points; limit two events per program/department

Plan your own event to get your group up and moving. Then, post a photo to social media and tag EXSC:

• Instagram: @suexsc
• Facebook: @SUEXSC
• Twitter: @SUEXSC
• #EIM-OC

Events in October

Campus Pop-Up Event: Friday, Oct. 4

Join the exercise science department Friday, Oct. 4, 4 -7 p.m., for yard games on the quad. Games like spikeball, KanJam and cornhole will be offered.

Meet the Professors: Tuesday, Oct. 8

Do you want to know more about how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle? Attend the Meet the Professors event on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5-6 p.m., in Henkel Hall, Hester Auditorium. Exercise science faculty will talk about how they got into the field and what exercise means to them. This will be followed by time for questions from the audience.

Walking Wednesday: Wednesday, Oct. 9

Each Wednesday in October the exercise science department sponsors a walk for health on campus featuring a Shenandoah University leader. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, join Vice President for Student Success Yolanda Gibson, Ph.D., as she leads a walk starting at 11 a.m. at the Brandt Student Center. (Rain location is at James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center).

Campus Pop-Up Event: Friday, Oct. 11

Join the exercise science department Friday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m., in Shingleton Gym as it welcomes Winchester Boxing & Fitness to campus for a free demonstration class. No experience or equipment required.

Walking Wednesday: Wednesday, Oct. 16

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, join Women’s Basketball Head Coach Melissa Smeltzer-Kraft and the ODAC Champion women’s basketball team for a walk around campus starting at 1 p.m. at the Brandt Student Center.

Campus Pop-Up Event: Friday, Oct. 18

Join the exercise science department Friday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m., for a Bee Active Scavenger Hunt. Get moving and “bee” active around campus as you search for clues and the chance to win points for prizes. Meet at the big SU in the quad.

Activity Bingo: Tuesday, Oct. 22

Join Campus Activities Network and the exercise science department in the Brandt Student Center food court Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m., for a night of activity-filled bingo and fitness-themed prizes.

Walking Wednesday: Wednesday, Oct. 23

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, join Vice President of Student Life Rev. Rhonda VanDyke, D.Min., as she leads a walk at 11 a.m. at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center.

Hike at Cool Spring: Saturday, Oct. 26

The Exercise and Health Professions Club (EHPC) hosts a guided hike at the Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield on Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 3 p.m. EHPC members and non-members are welcome to attend. Meet in front of the lodge.

Walking Wednesday: Wednesday, Oct. 30

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, join Dean Astrid Sheil, Ph.D., of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business, as she leads a walk starting at the Brandt Student Center at 11 a.m. (Rain location at James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center).

Hallowellness Party: Thursday, Oct. 31 (Halloween)

Looking for fun things to do this Halloween? The fun starts Thursday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., with Dance Party with Morgan in Shingleton Gym. Come out in costume for Halloween-themed song and dance. Then, immediately after the class, meet in the Shingleton lobby for healthy snacks and fun Halloween-themed games. Participants do not have to attend the dance party to come to Hallowellness.

For more information on Exercise is Medicine on Campus, contact Jessica Peacock at jpeacock@su.edu.