ESWE News Today
Restructuring the ESWE Department
By Oris Benjamin
Seems like the faculty changes in the ESWE Department are far from
over. The latest news is Dr. Torok is the new Chair of Exercise Science. In
keeping with his new post, he has moved into Room 288, which was Dr. Ogamdi's
old office. Dr. Ogamdi, who now teaches Perspectives and Health Promotion, is
in Room 295.
The name of the department has also been changed from Exercise Science/Wellness
Education to Exercise Science/Health Promotion
So far, Dr. Hu and Dr. Campbell have left, and the department is
extremely short staffed. Plans are currently underway to replace Dr. Campbell,
but according to Dr. Torok, at this time, it seems unlikely that the new
faculty member will be in place for the beginning of the Spring Semester.
Electioneering on Campus
By Oris Benjamin
On October 18 Owl Productions invited James Carville and Mary Matalin
to be guest speakers at what was coined the "debate of the century".
Speaking at Bailey Hall, Mr. Carville, Democratic Presidential Advisor, said
that the concept of one man/one vote does not really apply in a presidential
election because of the way that electoral votes are counted. This year Florida
is arguably the most important "swing state" in the nation because of
the state's 25 electoral votes.
Mr. Carvelle explained that each party had about 211 votes that they
were sure of, so this meant that 118 were up for grabs. Since the future
president needs only 270 votes total to win, the fight is over 59 of those
votes. Therefore, he said Florida in reality represented 25 out of those 59
votes.
He said that people often complained that they did not vote because politicians
were not honest, but like it or not those same politicians, when they are in
office, get to decide everything for you. He said that he was somewhat
irritated by people who said that there was no difference between the
candidates. Only misinformed people could make that statement he said, because
there are profound differences between the two.
Ms. Matalin, who is married to Mr. Carville, was the deputy campaign
manager for George Bush Sr.'s presidential campaign. She spoke about some of
the experiences the couple shared and how their political differences led to
many hilarious moments.
While the evening was informative, it was somewhat disappointing
because the format was not like a debate as had been billed and the question
and answer period was much too brief.
By contrast, Corinna Gore Shiff's visit on Wednesday October 26, 2000
was much more informative and exciting. The oldest daughter of Vice President
Al Gore, she was passionate when she spoke about the promises the future would
hold for college age Americans if they elected her father.
She said the X generation, of which she is a member, is often
incorrectly accused of not caring about anything, but this is not correct
because while voting in that age group was down twenty percent since 1972,
volunteerism in that same group was up. But she said this is the same
generation that sets fashion trends and turns an obscure rock band into
superstars, so this generation should be the ones to reverse the negative
trends.
She outlined some of Vice-President Gore's plans for education, and
repeatedly stressed that he was for the people and not the powerful. Mrs. Shiff
referred to Florida as being a battleground state, where the election will be
won or lost. This election, she said, is the closest since Kennedy, and in that
race when the vote was averaged out, he won by one vote in each precinct, so
every vote counts.
Wellness Center: A Bargain
By Oris Benjamin
Looking for a way to relieve the stress of college life? Why not visit
the FAU Student Wellness Center between classes? It is one of the best perks we
have here on the Davie campus, and it is available to all currently enrolled
students at no charge.
Although enrollment at the beginning of the fall semester was up by
more than ten percent, many of the students in the ESWE program do not make use
of the gym. Acting Director Scott Hilbert said that at the beginning of each
semester there is a wave of new enrollments, but as the semester progresses and
the school workload increases, many students postpone working out. This is
unfortunate he said, because the busier you are the more you need to make time
for exercise which helps to relieve stress.
The center is equipped with both cardio and weight training equipment,
and plans are currently under way to add new equipment. When time is tight,
students can learn circuit training that involves a whole body resistance
workout performed in only thirty minutes. Mr. Hilbert believes that most people
should be able to fit this into their schedule. Another valuable feature that
is offered at the wellness center is the fitness evaluation, which involves the
measurement of blood pressure, percentage body fat, and cardiovascular
endurance.
The wellness center is also now available as an internship site for
Exercise Science Majors. Interns would be exposed to many aspects of the
fitness industry including management of a facility.
To sign up at the Wellness Center, or to schedule an appointment for a
tour call of the facility call (954) 236-1018.
Boca Campus Hosts Health Fair
By Joyce Evans
The FAU Boca campus held its
annual Health Fair on Wednesday, October 18. The theme for this year's event
was "Survivors." Students in the ESWE department staffed one section,
which offered free health evaluations. The evaluations included blood pressure
screenings, body composition, flexibility, and waist to hip ratio.
Meanwhile, plans are underway
for the Davie Campus Wellness Day 2001. The upcoming event will be held on
January 23, 2001 in the breezeway of the LA building. ESWE Club President Joyce
Evans, who is one of the main organizers of the event, said that she has
already made contact with a number of people who have expressed interested in
having a booth. She expects next year's event to be the largest ever put on
here at the Davie Campus. There will be many vendors from all over South
Florida. She is also inviting some vendors from the ESWE's internship list to
help future ESWE students get in contact with an internship site early so that
they can possibly volunteer there before going out to their internship site.
Joyce is very enthusiastic about this year's Wellness Day 2001. She is accepting
volunteers. Please feel to contact her at smilly@bellsouth.net
or 954-501-3749.
Bearing a Heavy Load
By Joyce Evans
More and more students today are bearing heavier loads on their back.
Some students are rethinking their stylish Jansport(r), or Eastpack(r)
backpack, looking for the new luggage book bag. Although the luggage book bags
seem to be rather inconvenient to carry around, it will save the student's
lower back and posture.
The average college student takes a minimum of four classes, with each
class requiring at least one textbook. Then the student must carry one notebook
for each class, along with their water bottle, their cellular phone, their
keys, their lunch, and their copy of ESWE NEWS TODAY newsletter. We are now
looking at about 50 to 60 pounds of excess weight the human body must carry.
Medical experts suggest students should not carry more than 10% to 20% of their
body weight. More than 20% of the student's body weight can lead to posture damage
as well as lower back problems. For example, a man weighing 150 pounds should
carry no more than 15 to 30 pounds on his back.
Some common misuses of students are using one strap instead of two,
elongating the backpacks so the books rest near the small of the back, and over
stuffing the bags.
Now what should be done?
Both straps should be worn tightly, securing the books close to the
upper back and tight against it, distributing the weight of the books evenly
along the shoulders and upper back. In addition, students should make a
conscious effort to maintain balance, meaning if the student carries a book in
their right hand, then the student should have a book in the left hand as well.
For men, they should keep their wallets in one pocket in the front and their
keys in the other front pocket to maintain balance. Women should wear purses
that have two straps, one for each shoulder, again maintaining balance. Avoid
backpacks with only one strap and over stuffing the backpack. Use both arms
when carrying books.
The key to a healthy lower back and posture is BALANCE, BALANCE,
BALANCE!
Reference: www.usatoday.com/life/health/child/lhchi031.htm and an
interview with Dr. Klien, Chiropractic Physician September 28, 2000.
Eating Healthy While on Campus
By Joyce Evans
It is difficult to eat healthy on campus because students are always in
a rush to go somewhere. There never seems to be enough time in the day to eat
healthy. Well, here are a few tips to help students eat a bit healthier while
on campus:
…
Students should pack their lunch the night before.
…
If the student orders a sandwich, he or she should
try wheat instead of white bread.
…
Ask for no mayo, instead use mustard or ketchup and
no cheese or low-fat cheese.
…
When adding the lettuce, tomatoes etc., add low-fat
dressing, or vinegar only, no oil.
… Drink water rather than soda.
Meet The New Teaching Graduate Assistant
By Oris Benjamin
The new teaching Graduate Assistant here at Florida Atlantic University
is Robert Fernandez. He is a native of Dallas, Texas, but he earned his
undergraduate degree at Centenary University of Louisiana, where he majored in
Health and Exercise Science.
Centenary University is a small private Liberal Arts College, which has
been voted one of the top one hundred in the US. Robert said that when he was
offered a soccer scholarship to attend this institution he jumped at the
opportunity because it made it possible for him to play Division I soccer.
Another reason he chose this school was it's close proximity to Dallas, where his
family resided.
Soccer has played a major role in Rob's life from his early years. He
played soccer throughout his high school years, where he was named a member of
the North Texas State soccer team for three years, and was voted one the top 18
players in the state. He was also named defensive player of the year. Robert
continued to excel at soccer in college and during his freshman year he was
named Offensive Player of the Year, and Most Valuable Player in his senior
year.
Here at FAU Rob is settling into the responsibilities of his new job,
which include teaching three Exercise Physiology labs. He said that he takes
his responsibilities seriously and he is very concerned with being a good
teacher. He is also currently taking nine graduate credit hours towards his
Masters in Exercise Science, and is following the Exercise Physiology track.
While he is not currently involved in any research at this time, Rob
said that he is definitely interested in doing some at a future date. One
possible area of interest is to study whether flexibility enhances weight
training. He is not a member of any professional organization.
As expected, soccer is one of Rob's main hobbies, but he also loves
dancing and going to nightclubs. He has not had much opportunity for any of
these activities since coming to town, because he is still getting settled in.
When asked who has been a mentor, Robert does not hesitate to name his
father as the single most influential person in his life. He says over the
years his father has encouraged him to pursue his dreams, and has supported him
in whatever he chose to do.
His plans include finding employment in corporate fitness in the Dallas
area when he graduates, but his ultimate goal is to open his own fitness
facility.
Rob's advice to students is to pay attention to everything that is
being taught, because he said that you might need it down the road. He said
that it has been his experience that nothing you are taught is insignificant.
He said that there is a lot of information published for people in this field
and that it was important to take advantage of it by reading on your own, and
keeping abreast of new research.
Robert noted that students at this university may not be aware of it
but they are very fortunate to be able to have the facility and equipment that
is available to them even at the undergraduate level.
Date of Last Revision November 6, 2000
Please send comments to:
Oris Benjamin at: Oris.benjamin2@gte.net
or
Joyce Evans at: smilly@bellsouth.net