The weekend of April 22-23 was a busy one for Marian University osteopathic medicine, nursing, and exercise and sports science students and faculty.
On Saturday, the College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted a 5K Celebration of Wellness to raise money for the Indianapolis chapter of Back On My Feet, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless individuals build confidence, strength, self-esteem, and discipline through running.
About 120 runners and walkers raised $2,000 this year, bringing the total to $7,000 collected to benefit the group since the event began in 2014. Participants competed for prizes including tickets to Indy Eleven soccer matches, Indianapolis Indian tickets, and a three-month free membership to the Community Healthplex Sports Club.
Marian University was also a presenting sponsor for the 2017 WTHR Health & Fitness Expo, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. It was the fifth consecutive year the university co-sponsored the event.
More than 175 students and about one dozen faculty and staff served in the Health Screening Zone, one of the most popular activities at the event.
Marian University provided 800 free health screenings this year, including blood pressure testing, body mass index, cholesterol testing, and glucose testing. In addition, the university offered personal fitness evaluations for adults. The evaluations measured individual fitness based on grip strength, the number of sit-ups and push-ups performed in one minute, oxygen uptake on a stationary bicycle, and related efforts. The results were then compared to standard ranges for adults in the same age group.
While waiting for their screenings, attendees talked with students and faculty, obtained information about general health and wellness, and learned more about the university and it's health programs. Participants could also walk through a giant inflatable brain to learn more about brain function and enter to win prizes.
The event featured main-stage appearances by Emmy Award-winning TV host and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz on Saturday and Olympic gold and silver medalist Laurie Hernandez on Sunday. Other local celebrities participating in the event included professional athletes and WTHR personalities.
A healthy cooking stage featured cooking tips and tastings with local chefs and nutritionists, a performance space for exercise classes and dance performances, and a gymnastics area with demonstrations and performances. Dozens of vendors shared information about health and wellness products, many providing free samples or discounts on purchases.
To learn more about earning a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science or nursing, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission. To learn more about earning a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or a doctoral degree in medicine, contact the Office of Graduate Studies.