When it comes to your physical and mental well-being, exercise can be highly effective therapy.
East Tennessee State University has taken that to heart with its Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIC-OM) program, part of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Exercise is Medicine (EIM) initiative.
EIM is a global health program that aims to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care. ETSU’s program is a collaborative effort between the College of Health Sciences’ Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Campus Recreation, Student Life and Enrollment and the University Health Center.
And with Exercise is Medicine month taking place in October, ETSU’s EIM-OC chapter is celebrating by participating in a nationwide walking challenge on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from noon-6 p.m. on the lawn at the Basler Center for Physical Activity.
ETSU will continue the challenge throughout the month of October, offering prizes for teams and individuals who accrue the most steps or wheelchair distance. The first 100 people to sign up and visit the kick-off event on Oct 1 also receive an ETSU EIM-OC T-shirt.
“The EIM-OC team is excited to serve the campus community, participate in the walking challenge and celebrate Exercise is Medicine month.” said Dr. Brandi Eveland-Sayers, a professor of exercise science at ETSU and EIM-OC team advisor.
In 2023, ETSU’s EIM-OC chapter, which was founded in 2021, achieved gold status for its efforts to foster a culture of wellness on campus through its initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity.
ETSU is one of fewer than 100 campuses worldwide to achieve the gold designation.
“This is something we are really passionate about,” said Eveland-Sayers. “And to see the growth and success we’ve achieved in just a few years is really incredible.”
ETSU’s health sciences programs are often at the forefront of improving health and well-being in Appalachia – a commitment to serving others that includes students, faculty and staff on campus.
Learn more about ETSU’s EIM-OC program, and get involved, at etsu.edu/exercise-is-medicine/. To learn more about the ETSU College of Health Sciences, visit etsu.edu/chs/.
