Each day was built around a theme that included one of the many elements of good health. Day one was devoted to physical activity, including balance and fitness assessments, a Wii Fit contest and fitness demonstrations by personal trainers. Day two featured a health fair that included free biometric screenings, massages, as well as health information provided by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association. Nutrition was the focus for day three to close out the week, and included a visit from Fresh Connect, which had organic food items on display, and culinary demonstrations by Whole Foods.

For the first time, NPHW activities were planned and executed by MSHP students. Kandi Kerns and Angela German accepted the challenge this year, and their efforts resulted in three memorable days of activities devoted to health and nutrition. Although the week was deemed a success, it was not without it challenges. But Dr. Karen Doyle, director of the MSHP program, was pleased with their efforts.

“This was a tough assignment for students to organize remotely in eight short weeks, while working full time, completing ongoing coursework and working around spring break,” Doyle said. “They worked extremely well together and showed good decision-making skills when unexpected events occurred . . . overall these students exceeded my expectations.”

There was much to be done and many hurdles to be cleared to make the week a success, but the two grad students executed their plans with precision and relied on the spirit of teamwork to promote a sense of unity among faculty, staff and students, while also engaging off-campus entities.

“I was encouraged to see that Kandi and Angela collaborated with Cleveland employees, and vendors from other educational institutions, businesses and agencies,” Doyle said. “They included a variety of health services, fun and practical activities as well as educational information.”

Of the week’s results, Doyle was most pleased with the collaboration between the MSHP students and CU-KC personnel. That teamwork, and a willingness to engage the Cleveland community, made for a successful week. Specifically, she mentioned Linda Gerdes, community, outreach representative, and her team of student interns.

German and Kerns handled the week with professionalism and their events were well received, as they served an average of 40 participants per day. It was a great way to encourage health assessment for students, faculty and staff, and at the same time, provide a fun and educational environment.

“This year, MSHP students gave Clevelanders the opportunity to conduct a personal inventory of their own health,” Doyle said. “We are so busy caring for others, we forget about ourselves. Angela and Kandi provided free health screenings, massages, a food preparation demonstration, and some fun with Wii Fit for the benefit of our community.”

Winners of gift cards were CU-KC students Mistie Ahrens, Jolene Otremba, Catherine Davis, Travis Early, Markus McCormac, John McNeely, Sean Palmer, Steve Stonebraker and faculty and staff members Valerie Carson, Joni Benz, Heather Collins, John McLaughlin, Willie Ramirez, Renee Ray and Randell Vanderweide.