York’s regular weekly series of health displays, Wellness Wednesday, kicks off this year on Sept. 21 with Walktober. Drop by the Wellness Wednesday display in Central Square, East Bear Pit from 10am to 3:30pm. Staff from York’s Health Education & Promotion office will be available with information on new and interesting health and wellness activities.
“Wellness Wednesday takes place every week and offers information on a variety of health and wellness initiatives,” says Janis Ellis-Claypool, coordinator of health education & promotion, Student Community & Leadership Development. “Topics include responsible drinking, eating healthy on campus, time management and stress management. We will also have feature events including World AIDS Day. Faculty, staff and students are welcome.”
This week, visitors to the Wellness Wednesday display can learn about Walktober, a new program at York. Walktober is a walking group for students that will meet twice a week throughout the semester. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s fun! For those students who have small breaks in their schedule and who might want a change from the equipment in the gym, why not join other students for a walk in the great outdoors. The group will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the semester at the Student Services Centre.
The first Walktober walk will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 11:15am to 12pm. Participants will receive a walking program packet that includes routes for various distances across campus, and will have the benefit of walking with fellow students.
Walktober goes beyond the grounds of York University. Health Education & Promotion is partnering with Ryerson University and University of Toronto and inviting students to participate where it’s most convenient. Any student who registers for the York walking group will be given a schedule of Ryerson and U of T’s walking sessions as well. Students who happen to be downtown during one of these dates and times will be able to take part in that walking group.
Walktober is hosted by Health Education & Promotion, which is part of the Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development. For more information visit the Health Education & Promotion Web site and check out the events calendar.