Dance Contests, Zumba® Classes, Health Screenings Will Help Rutgers Students ‘Spring Into Shape’

RU FIT FAIR MOVED INTO GOLDEN DOME ATHLETIC CENTER

EDITOR’S NOTE:

MEDIA who wish to cover this program should register with Carla Capizzi, 973/353-5263, or capizzi@andromeda.rutgers.edu 

(Newark, N.J., April 15, 2009) – Come Monday, April 20, students at Rutgers University, Newark will experience a spring awakening   On the 20th, from 11 a.m. – 2: 30 p.m., the campus will host a “RU FIT: Spring into Shape” fair aimed at waking up students to health dangers such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  The day will combine activities designed to get students on their feet and working their hearts — such as a dance contest and Zumba® lessons — with health screenings, nutritious snacks and informational resources. The program will take place in the Golden Dome Athletic Center, Warren Street and University Avenue); it is open to students – as well as faculty and staff – free of charge.

Many college students don’t realize that health problems are striking growing numbers of their peers, thanks to too many unhealthy snacks and foods, too little sleep and exercise, and other poor health choices, explain health education specialist Marie Attis and senior health education specialist Theresa Tantay-Wilson, Rutgers Department of Health Promotion.  But since 2002, Rutgers has been trying to reverse that tide through the “RU HEALTHY” fair, an interactive, educational yet entertaining program designed to promote smart choices about factors that impact wellness. Until now, the fair has been held annually, in the fall, but based on enthusiastic student response, this year a spring fair, RU FIT, has been added.  A special feature of this fair is a “Rutgers Best Dance Crew” contest, with a $250 prize for the top student dance team.  

  

 

Media Contact: Carla Capizzi
9733535263
E-mail: capizzi@andromeda.rutgers.edu