It's not often students hear the words "Indiana" and "healthy" in the same sentence. Hoosiers hold the claim of being in the top ten fattest states in the nation, according to the Center for Disease Control. Indiana is also one of the worst offenders when it comes to smoking prevalence. All in all, Hoosiers aren't doing very well when it comes to health.
Ball State University is a school that prides itself on academic excellence, but there's no reason not to extend that outlook to students' health as well. To ensure Ball State doesn't end up on an "unhealthiest university" list, the Daily News has 10 suggestions for how to make Ball State healthier:
10. Take part in Governor Mitch Daniels' INShape Indiana program. Ball State already had 137 students and faculty participate in on INShape program, and the rest of campus should follow suit.
9. Give away Nintendo Wiis - no one can stop video games in the residence halls, but students might as well be moving around and getting some exercise. The end of the couch potato roommate could be closer than you thought.
8. Turn the Cow Path into an obstacle course - hurdles, balance beams and swinging bags of sand will make the walk to class interesting while forcing students to use their athletic ability to stay out of trouble.
7. Decrease prices for healthy food in dining courts - a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke adds up to a reasonable price; there's no reason a fruit cup and salad shouldn't as well.
6. Ban smoking on campus - Hey, we know it's not the most popular option, but there's no denying smoking is a dangerous habit.
5. Require passes for the campus shuttle bus - to ensure the only students who absolutely need it are riding. After all, campus is small and walking never hurt anyone.
4. Offer free dietician and personal trainer services - everyone needs a little guidance sometimes, and Ball State should help students get on the right track.
3. Replace drinking games with sit-up and push-up competitions - double bonus: none of the calories in alcohol and building sexy muscles at the same time.
2. Sponsor a yearly triathalon with President Jo Ann Gora - for all those students itching to test themselves against the head honcho at Ball State.
1. Petition Carter for fat-free hot dogs - all the taste and none of the fat ... well, maybe lower-fat is a better option.
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