Tradition Campus Begins Fitness Program
A stereotypical New Year's resolution is becoming a reality at the William Carey University Tradition campus in Biloxi as a new fitness and wellness program has been established to benefit campus employees and students.
The program, first implemented at the beginning of January, includes a commitment from select employees to meet a walking goal of 10,000 steps per day. Future plans include involving students through the activities of the Student Government Association, which is planning a 5K race in the spring to promote the wellness program on the campus.
The trend to a more fit university community started at Carey's main campus in Hattiesburg in September 2013. A walking club, consisting of employees and students, meets several times a week. Employees at both campuses also receive weekly emails with healthy living tips, including recipes.
For its wellness efforts, Carey has been named a "Fit Friendly" worksite by the American Heart Association. The university's efforts come at a time when Gallup has ranked Mississippi as the most obese state in the United States with an obesity rate of 35.4 percent in 2013.