Kids learn to stay healthy at college

Kids were at the Plains High School bright and early on Saturday morning, but a different kind of learning awaited their arrival than what usually occurs during the week. Members of the Upward Bound program showed up that morning on Jan 15 to learn healthy habits as they make the transition to college life. The event came as part of a series of events for students in the Upward Bound program ,where they learn skills to get them ready for college.

The students participated in several different events, including Zumba dance instruction by Amy Anderson, Wii fitness games, and talks by Montana Technical College nursing student Coulter Wyanz on the importance of staying healthy in college.

High school counselor Betty Taylor chose these activities as the best way to get students the information they need in a way they will remember.

“I think that any time you can educate and have fun at the same time, it just sticks a lot longer,” Taylor said.

Wyanz, who is a senior at Montana Tech, talked to the students as someone who has gone through it all, after having a less-than healthy first year in college. After gaining weight and then losing it in a crash diet, Wyanz understands the importance of looking at fitness in a healthy and safe way.

“It’s important to me that these kids know that there are healthy ways to lose weight,” Wyanz said.

Wyanz addressed the many lifestyles that students have ahead of them in college.

“All these kids are high school students and are all in relatively good shape,” Wyanz said. “A lot of them play sports and all that, so we wanted to just talk to them about how when you get to college, especially these athletes, they get that change.”

There are definite changes in what kinds of food is available at college, and not all students deal with that well. Most schools have a buffet style dining service, and students need to know when to stop and how to make healthy choices.

“Calories are less of an issue than portion control,” Wyanz said. “It’s hard not to go back for seconds.”

Also, dorm life can limit a student’s options.

 “You’re in a dorm room and you have a microwave, so you’re like, ‘What can I make with a microwave?’” Wyanz said.

Wyanz also talked about the importance of being active and working out, not only for the physical benefits, but also for mental benefits as well.

“Exercise is the best way to de-stress,” Wyanz said.

Mostly, Wyanz is glad to get the information out about this kind of thing.

“A lot of this stuff kids haven’t even thought about,” Wyanz said. “I know I didn’t.”

Pam Gohn is the Upward Bound coach in Thompson Falls. She brought 10 students down to Plains to participate in the event. She also sees education as the best way for kids to stay healthy as they get into college.

 “It’s easy to get into college and pick up on unhealthy eating habits,” Gohn said, “so we’re kind of hoping to stop it before it happens, to educate them about healthier lifestyle choices, healthier eating, the things that you don’t think about.”

Taylor also agrees that the event was mainly about raising health awareness in students.

“I hope that they take away an awareness that there’s lots of choices out there, and that we just want to educate them on some good choices so even if they make bad choices, they know the ones they should be taking,” Taylor said.

Taylor feels that eating healthy and exercising has benefits that go way beyond the physical, and influence a student’s life in many ways.

“If you feel good, you’re a better student, you’re going to get more out of your college experience, and you’re going to learn more,” Taylor said.

According to Upward Bound director Ruth Anne Shope, students respond very well to interactive activities such as this.

Upward Bound will be holding a few more educational events as the school year nears its close. In March, there will be an event on time and money management, and in April students will learn about successful study skills. The group will finish the year with a banquet in May.

For Plains senior Eddie Stugelmayer, being in Upward Bound has been helpful in getting ready for college.

“Every month and every week it will just remind you that you need to pay attention on college stuff because you can’t let it slip by,” Stugelmayer said.

Plains junior Laurel Danhof echoes these feelings.

“It’s kind of like a motivational head start just to get you going,” Danhof said. “It keeps you on track.”

Both students cite the Upward Bound program as huge positives in their preparation for college.

“I wouldn’t be as prepared for college if I didn’t go through Upward Bound,” Stugelmayer said.

“Or as excited,” Danhof said.