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Fit HELP keeps the student body going strong

Students come to college to improve their mind, but in the process they sometimes neglect the whole body.

To help students cope with the stresses of college, Sacramento State has Fit HELP (Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Program) that provides free medically-supervised student services from a staff that includes a psychologist, an exercise psychologist, a health educator and a clinical nutritionist.

“Students often have to balance school, study and work with exercise and eating well,” says Fit HELP health educator Kalyn Coppedge. “Something has to eventually give, and usually it’s the student’s health.”

The Fit HELP is not a gym, but is part of the Student Health Center. Medical professionals and student interns provide a variety of health-related services including nutrition counseling, body composition analysis, fitness assessments, health education and assessments for eating disorders.

Fit HELP’s staff can help students achieve specific goals such as weight management, stress reduction and increased sports performance. They also work with students to help them manage pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, weight gain, eating disorders, diabetes and recurring injuries.

Students coming to the Fit HELP Center receive an initial interview and a basic physical evaluation test. “Usually students are shocked at how poorly they do or how tired they are at test’s end,” Coppedge says. “Some can’t finish.”

The staff then develops a personal diet and exercise plan specific to each student. “We’re here to help keep our students fit and to achieve their health goals. We help them find new energy levels, stay well, prevent disease and be confident, and that helps them through school.”

The Fit HELP Center is located in the University Union next to Round Table Pizza. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fridays. Students can make an appointment or drop in. For more information, visit www.csus.edu/hlth or call 278-9355. Contact Coppedge at 278-2749 or e-mail coppedge@csus.edu.