ECU recognized for promoting physical activity on campus
East Carolina University’s Exercise is Medicine – On Campus (EIM-OC) program has been recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine as a “COVID Conquerer” for demonstrating creative ways to promote physical activity during the pandemic.
The program also was awarded silver level status for the third consecutive year by the ACSM. ECU was one of five UNC System schools and 153 across the country recognized in a virtual ceremony on June 2.
ECU’s Exercise is Medicine – On Campus program encourages students, faculty members and staff to participate in physical activity for health and well-being. Here, a runner crosses in front of the Eakin Student Recreation Center in April. (Photos by Cliff Hollis)
Each year, ECU’s EIM-OC offers students, faculty members and staff a variety of free events such as an annual 3-mile fun run/walk, Exercise with PeeDee, a step challenge with other U.S. universities, and weekly walks around campus. The most recent fun run and walk happened virtually in March.
ECU’s recreation center offers a variety of activities from weightlifting to basketball.
The multidisciplinary program started in 2015 and is led by the Department of Kinesiology in partnership with Campus Recreation and Wellness and Student Health Services. EIM-OC also has partnered with ECU athletics and the English and theatre departments for specific events, said Dr. Katrina DuBose, professor of kinesiology and director of ECU’s Activity Promotion Lab in the College of Health and Human Performance.
EIM-OC is part of the ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine initiative that promotes physical activity and exercise on college campuses nationwide.
Data from a national survey of college students show fewer than 50% meet the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity, DuBose said. Participating in physical activity has shown to improve anxiety, stress, depression and academic performance while providing a host of other health benefits and preventing disease.
“Given the lack of activity and negative health consequences, promoting physical activity among college students is important,” she said.
People interested in getting involved can email eimoc@ecu.edu or connect with EIM-OC on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.