Unique Partnership Impacts Student Health

Thirty-two students enrolled in wellness and physical education (WPE) and exercise science classes have partnered with medical assistant technology (MAT) students for a detailed blood analysis in hopes of improving their overall health and well-being.

“It’s a voluntary program allowing students some tangible data that impacts their overall health and well-being,” explained Joe Brady, WPE faculty. “The students volunteer for a blood analysis, completed by our MAT students, at the start of the of their WPE class. After talking about good nutritional habits, exercise routines, effective weight management, and other pertinent information, the students then have the opportunity to apply the information they have learned in their class to improve their overall health and well-being.”

After 10 weeks, students have their numbers re-checked in hopes of seeing some positive changes in their blood work as a result of making those lifestyle changes. Students will then analyze the data from the pre and post-test and draw conclusions.

The program includes assessing blood pressure, total cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level, and blood glucose (blood sugar) level. In the classroom, students assess their body composition (lean body mass vs. fat mass). After the initial analysis, students discuss the values, recommended ranges and the diseases that can occur if students are out of range.

“Once students understand those values, we talk about ways to improve (or maintain) them,” Brady said. “In the various WPE courses, we discuss proper nutrition for disease prevention including; intake calories, saturated fats, simple carbohydrates (sugars), recommended amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and water. We also discuss incorporating sound exercise routines, including cardio-respiratory training, muscular strength and endurance training, and flexibility. Students are also taught the principles for maintaining a healthy weight and recommended body-fat composition.”

According to Brady, students have seen positive results.

“Students have reported a reduction in blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose levels and body fat. We have also seen an increase in the HDL (good cholesterol) levels," he said. “I love how the students can see measurable results and know that adopting a healthy lifestyle and making good choices, truly works to improve an individual’s overall health and well-being. You can see the pride in their faces as they progress toward their goals. Not only does it give our WPE and exercise science students positive reinforcement, but it gives our MAT students the ability to apply the techniques they have learned in their Medical Assistant Technology courses before they move on to their professional careers outside of the college.”

Brady hopes to expand the partnership next semester and make it available to more WPE and exercise science students.