Heart-healthy outreach

Graduate students from the Exercise Physiology Master’s program represented the College during the regional Go Red for Women heart health awareness conference in February at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.

Twenty-three students and two faculty members provided health coaching sessions for individuals interested in starting an exercise program, maintaining or losing weight and gaining lean muscle, maximizing current exercise programs, or fitting exercise into busy days. The students gave presentations and staffed several health assessment stations. Each station featured a test or demo, and a short presentation with handouts explaining their importance to overall health. They provided hip/waist measurements, grip strength assessments, and goal setting for success. The students also offered VO2 Max assessment quizzes, which determine the body’s optimal consumption of oxygen and muscle efficiency.

“This event was not only educational, but also provided the students with an opportunity to network with the various vendors who were also participating,” said Lisa Kappes, PhD, assistant professor of EXP. “The students also had the opportunity for practical application of the skills they have been learning during their courses and labs.”