Jackson State Sponsors Fight Against Obesity

By Jessica Lynn Gibson
Black College Wire

Photo credit: Blue & White Flash "There is nothing more important than the health of the students of Jackson State University," said Jackson State President Ronald Mason Jr.

Jackson State University has become the first university in the country to focus the fight on obesity among students, university officials say.

Obesity has proved deadly, often leading to heart disease and high blood pressure, and is related to unhealthy eating habits.

At a recent press conference, Ronald Mason Jr., president of the Jackson, Miss., university, announced the institution's involvement with Ennovy Health Program, a six-week cooperative wellness initiative that focuses on healthy eating choices, fitness needs and an “environmental” evaluation for faculty, staff, students and the campus community.

Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler, a graduate of Jackson State who leads the program, said, "The obesity concerns in the country are very real, and the way to combat it is through education and implementation of our wellness program. JSU should be commended for caring about its students enough to make this kind of investment."

Mason said, "There is nothing more important than the health of the students of Jackson State University."

Obesity, juvenile diabetes and hypertension, early kidney disease and other vascular diseases have become more widely reported on campus, as evidenced by an increased number of students’ visits to the university health center. An increase in chronic diseases among staff and administrators also prompted the proactive approach to combating such illnesses as lupus, Type-B diabetes, heart disease and some early cancers.

Larry Belton, interim vice provost for student life, said, "Our major concern is the general welfare of our students, as well as the empowerment of our students. There is nothing more important than the physical welfare of our students. This is their foundation, and without the foundation there is no afterthought."

The program began Oct. 21 on the Jackson State campus. It includes the Enova Sugar Free Zone Workshop, which focuses on the benefits of balanced sugars and carbohydrates, and channeling the stored sugars and fats through fitness and exercise.

Ennovy's program at Jackson State will be more intense, however, and the outcome may result in improved healthy eating and fitness behavior for Jackson State students, faculty and staff.

Officials at Jackson State point to the proposed exchanges of fruits and other natural products for some of the snacks in vending machines; changing meal options at the university dining facilities; and substituting water for carbonated beverages as a start for modifying the campus’ food intake.

The cafeteria menu might feature more low-fat and no-calorie foods.

The new menu might not be welcomed wholeheartedly by all. “I don't agree with the menu change,” Kia Gray, a freshman from New Orleans, said . “If people want a low -calorie meal, they should have something on the side for them."

Jessica Lynn Gibson is a student at Jackson State University who writes for The Blue & White Flash.

Posted Dec. 13, 2004