Category Archives: Exercise science department

GRCC In the News, 3-2-15

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The state of American well-being

Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Although a number of factors such as the rate of uninsured and life evaluation have improved across the country, Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being places Michigan among the bottom 10 states.

… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, said although she would like to see more detail regarding the design of the survey, she was not surprised by Michigan’s results.

“Unfortunately, Michigan has ranked low for awhile, and part of the reason it doesn’t surprise me is because the information we have around chronic disease in Michigan — what are called preventive health behaviors among Michigan adults — is lower than many other states,” said Kennett. “If people are not engaging in these preventive health measures, then obviously their health is not going to be well.”

Michigan: a state of impoverishment

Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids Business Journal reports in depth this week on Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being, a study that ranks Michigan in the bottom 10 among all states.

… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, is quoted in the Business Journal’s page one article: “People don’t realize there are more people in Michigan living at or below the poverty line than other states. Unfortunately, there is plenty of research, plenty of data that shows we can predict people’s health outcomes based on how much money they make and their education.”

Highlights for the month of March

Feb. 27, 2015; MLive

… 26. Wrapping up Grand Rapids Community College’s International Guitar Series is the acclaimed Canadian Guitar Quartet, which is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be in the Recital Hall at GRCC’s Music Center, located on the corner of Ransom Avenue and Lyon Street.

FIU Panthers outfielder Brian Portelli caps weekend blitz

March 1, 2015; The Miami Herald

Whenever an FIU Panther hits a home run, he is greeted at the plate not with a high-five or a head-bump, but a standard handshake. The uniquely understated celebration seems to say “Nice to meet you, Gentleman Slugger.”

… Thomas plucked (Brian) Portelli out of baseball obscurity while working a winter camp in Detroit as a visiting instructor. Fat chance an unknown out of Division II Grand Rapids Community College would develop into a contributor, never mind a star. But Thomas took that chance anyway.

MSU Democrats travel to D.C. for retreat

Feb. 27, 2015; The State News (MSU’s student newspaper)

After a Republican sweep in the 2014 midterm elections, MSU College Democrats are reevaluating some strategies to increase membership.

… (Brianna) Shamsuddoha said MSU College Democrats had eight representatives at the retreat. Central Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College and Northern Michigan University’s College Democrats chapters also sent delegates to the retreat.

Exercise science department hosts TRX Suspension Training course

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GRCC Exercise Science Department is hosting the Level 1 TRX Suspension Training course on March 21,2015. Location Ford Field House Room 212. If interested, please register through TRX Suspension training at: https://www.trxtraining.com/shop/professional-education

Description of Training:

With the versatility of TRX Suspension Training® you’ll have a portable fitness solution to train clients in any setting. You’ll learn how to properly perform and cue foundational Suspension Training exercises as well as the benefits and target muscles of the exercises. Learn modifications and progressions to adapt the exercises to every fitness level.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Properly perform a variety of Suspension Training exercises
  • Progress and regress exercises for all fitness levels
  • Adjust resistance and stability for all exercises
  • Cue and correct common faults
  • Correctly set up and use the TRX Suspension Trainer

PREREQUISITES: There are no Prerequisites to take a TRX Level 1 Professional Education Course. Continuing Education Credits (CECs) will only be applied to certified fitness professionals. Completion of this course will qualify you for Level 2 Courses.

COURSE AGENDA:
To view this course agenda, click here

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS (CECS) AND COURSE QUALIFICATION:
Upon completion of a TRX Suspension Training Course, you will be a TRX Qualified Trainer. You will receive an electronic version of your TRX Qualification, which can be printed for your records and redeemed for CECs. The provider number and number of credits can be found on your Qualification and redeemed on the provider’s website.

STC Graduates will receive CECs from the following organizations: ACE 0.7, NASM 0.7, NSCA 0.8, AFAA 5.5, AFLCA (CAN) 7.0, Can Fit Pro 4.0, NESTA 0.8, PTA Global 8.0, ISSA 7.0, IYCA 3.5, BCRPA 7.0, Fitness Australia 7.0, PA Australia 2.0, SkillsActive REPS 8.0, and REPS 9.0.(ACSM accepts ACE CECs)
PRODUCT DISCOUNTS: Course attendees can purchase TRX products at a special price after the course.

COURSE MATERIALS: You will receive a Suspension Training Course (STC) Manual on the day of the course.

Raider Salute to Wellness First Aid student

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A Raider Salute from Melanie Schiele-Gady:

A Raider Salute needs to be extended to a GRCC student, Helena Nguyen.  Helena is currently a student in a Wellness First Aid class, who over the weekend was able to stay calm and help a customer who was having a Seizure at her place of work.  She placed the 911 call and then went through the seizure protocols taught to her in the class.  Congratulations, Helena, on making a difference! 

Melanie Schiele Gady named finalist for state award

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Grand Rapids Community College Professor Melanie Schiele Gady, Exercise Science Department, has just received word that she is an Award Finalist for the Champion of Health Award through the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. The nomination was a surprise and led by a GRCC student. The award/nomination will for sure be dedicated to all GRCC students past and present and the health and well being of all in the community.

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports was established through an Executive Order issued by Governor John M. Engler in 1992 to improve the health of, and increase physical activity among, Michigan residents.

The Governor’s Fitness Awards honor inspirational individuals and organizations for their pursuit, commitment and dedication to health and wellness. Each award recognizes the many different ways the winners are inspiring and influencing Michigan residents to be healthier. The GFA’s also serve to encourage community involvement through teaching, role-modeling and volunteering.Award finalists will be recognized on April 23, 2015 at a morning legislative celebration at the state capitol in Lansing and at a gala event at Ford Field in Detroit that evening. Visit Governors Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports http://www.michiganfitness.org/governors-council

Nominations sought for Wellness Student of the Year

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Wellness AwardThe Exercise Science Department is seeking nominations for GRCC’s 2nd Annual Wellness Student of the Year Award! Successful completion of the Wellness Credit Requirement, or current enrollment in the Wellness Credit Requirement is the only criteria for the student.

Please include with your nomination how the student has met the Institutional Learning Outcome of Personal Responsibility in the following 6 areas:

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Social
  • Intellectual
  • Spiritual
  • Occupational

All nominations will be considered! Please email your nominations to Jodi Gee, jgee@grcc.edu by March 13th, 2015.

How is your heart?

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If you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, discomfort in other areas of your upper body, a cold sweat, nausea, or become light-headed you could be having a heart attack. Call 911!

Stroke Warning Signs: Is one side of your face drooping? Is one arm weak or numb? Is your speech slurred and/or is it
difficult to speak? Call 911!

If you see someone unresponsive, unconscious, not breathing and with no pulse they could be having a cardiac arrest. Call 911 and start CPR.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
1. Do not smoke or use tobacco
2. Exercise 30 minutes each day following American College of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Guidelines
3. Eat a heart healthy diet
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Get enough quality sleep
6. Know your health numbers (blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, body composition, body
mass index, waist circumference)
7. Control Stress and be “well” in all the wellness dimensions (social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional)
What is Your Risk: Take a Quiz from American Heart Association

Woman in a white coat spakeing to a man.

FACTS:
-About one in three American kids is overweight and/or obese according to the American Heart Association. Many of those children
struggle with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. In addition, excess weight at a young age
has been linked to earlier death rates in adulthood.
-One in three women die of heart disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Education and lifestyle changes,
however, can prevent 80 percent of cardiac events.
-About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
-Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were
in men.
-Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing nearly 380,000 people annually.
-Every year about 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 515,000 are a first heart attack and 205,000 happen in people
who have already had a heart attack.
-Coronary artery disease (heart disease) alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health
care services, medications, and lost productivity. (Centers of Disease Control)

Heart Health is a team effort to support a healthy community, consisting of the GRCC exercise science department, nursing department, exercise science club, staff development, older learner center, athletic department, biological sciences department, and the exercise is medicine team.

 

 

Exercise Science Department hosts Career Exploration event

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Hi Faculty, Staff and Students:

Consider attending the Exercise Science Department Career Exploration Event on February 18, 2015 from 9-4 PM.

Check out all the latest information at http://www.grcc.edu/exercisescience/exercisesciencecareerexplorationday

This event is not only great for students interested in the field of Exercise Science but for any one who wants to learn how to improve their health, fitness and wellness and personal skills.

See attached schedule of events and presenters!