Hopkins
Nursing steps-up Cardiovascular Health
Newswise — As the new year gets underway,
many people make the resolution to lead a
healthier, more active life especially after
all the rich food they consumed during the
holidays. Whether those resolutions actually
come to fruition, it’s hard to say. But
thanks to a proactive cadre of doctoral
students, the Johns Hopkins University
School of Nursing (JHUSON) already has a
fitness program in place.
The “SON Fit” program, which includes yoga,
Zumba, a “Biggest Loser” competition, and a
stair-climbing club called “Step it Up!”,
began in Fall 2011 in response to an all
school-wide survey of JHUSON faculty, staff,
and students.
Respondents (n=304) reported that their
workload as a student, faculty, or staff
“definitely” affected their level of stress
(78%) and health (47%). Furthermore, 60% of
respondents reported gaining some weight
over the past year, with about half of those
respondents gaining more than five pounds.
Furthermore, growing evidence such as the
longitudinal Nurses’ Health Study, suggests
nurses put their own health and well-being
second to the care of others and/or
professional development. Over time, this
makes them increasingly vulnerable to
cardiovascular disease.
“People are well aware of the risks of
cardiovascular disease, but a large
percentage still don’t take active steps to
reduce that risk,” noted JHUSON doctoral
student Tam Nguyen. “The idea of SON Fit was
to give people with busy schedules a chance
to engage in physical activities that were
both fun and healthy. It’s been a tremendous
success.”
The SON Fit program was designed to serve as
a catalyst toward improving not only the
culture of wellness in the SON, but also
creating lifelong commitment toward becoming
living ambassadors of health and wellbeing.
Since its inception, SON Fit has focused on
the desire and need to cultivate wellness
throughout the School. To date 50 people
have signed up for yoga; 48 for Zumba; 60
for the Biggest Loser competition; and 18
for Step-it Up! Within the Biggest Loser
competition alone, participants collectively
aimed to lose a ton of weight (literally,
2,000 pounds). Through support from the
University and the School, all the
activities are free of charge for all
participants.
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The Johns Hopkins University School of
Nursing is a global leader in nursing
research, education, and scholarship. The
School and its baccalaureate, master’s, PhD,
and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are
recognized for excellence in educating
nurses who set the highest standards for
patient care and become innovative national
and international leaders. Among U.S.
nursing schools, the Hopkins Nursing
graduate programs are ranked #1 by U.S. News
& World Report. For more information, visit http://www.nursing.jhu.edu.
