Wellness Walk Promotes Health

At Nichols College, the road to good health is actually a two mile "Wellness Walk" which winds through the campus and loops through a beautiful field of wild flowers. The vistas are sure to help students, faculty and staff relax as they assume responsibility for improving their health and quality of life.

The path was completed as a summer volunteer project by trainers of the Student Leadership Training Program (SLTP) based out of Marshfield, Mass. Nichols Facilities Coordinator Marty Morrison conceived of the project as part of her effort to encourage exercise on campus. "It has been a dream of mine to have a walking path," says Morrison, "and I am grateful to SLTP founder, Dr. Jim Fitzgerald, for volunteering hours of hard work to lay down the foundation and spread wood chips on the top layer. Their spirit of service is outstanding."

All of this is part of a comprehensive Nichols Wellness Program started by Vice President of Administration Susan K. Tellier and Director of Human Resources Rick Woods to assist individuals with health screenings, education, and goal setting. "Walking is a great, natural way to achieve daily physical activity," says Tellier. "We are encouraging everyone to find a campus walking buddy. Conversation and companionship can make the miles fly by." Woods adds that a Nichols team is looking forward to participating in the "Walk to Cure Cancer" on Sunday, September 23rd.

Walking at a moderate pace for 30-60 minutes burns stored fat, builds muscle, and speeds up metabolism. Walking an hour a day is also associated with cutting the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes and stroke.

In addition to the Wellness Walk, a cardio-respiratory fitness exercise program for the Nichols community uses workout equipment in the Athletic Center and includes yoga and aerobics classes. This fall, Tai Chi, a form of traditional Chinese martial arts using moving meditation, has been added to the program.

Notes Tellier: "A safe and healthy campus is integral to achieving organizational excellence. I want to thank SLTP for the Chinese "Hope" sign and the flowers they planted at the entrance to our Wellness Walk."