LEWISBURG, WV – The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is stepping up to boost the health of locals by adopting the “Mountaineer Mile” walking initiative led by Governor Patrick Morrisey.
The school is making it a fun and engaging affair, inviting students, faculty, and staff to take a mile walk every Monday on campus. President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., or another leader from the school, will join these walks. Community members are welcome to join in too.
“This is a great chance for our state to tackle obesity and improve chronic disease management,” says Nemitz. “I’m excited to lead the Mountaineer Mile initiative here.”
Beyond just walking, the program promotes overall health with weight loss goals, step tracking, and educational resources from the school’s Center for Rural and Community Health. It aims to inspire the Greenbrier Valley community to join in on this health-focused journey.
The first campus walk is set for April 14, beginning at noon in front of the WVSOM Student Center’s Alumni Tower.
Starting in summer 2024, WVSOM will launch a new “Finding Health” curriculum. This program will weave wellness, nutrition, exercise, and preventive medicine into future physicians’ training. It aligns with the core principles of osteopathic medicine, which emphasize the connection between body, mind, and spirit and the body’s own healing abilities.
Nemitz is encouraging other educational institutions to join this health initiative. “I challenge other colleges to participate in the Mountaineer Mile, hoping we can work together to uplift our population’s health,” he stated.
WVSOM’s Chief Operations Officer, Drema Hill, Ph.D., also supports this initiative, sharing her inspiring weight loss journey. “Having lost 160 pounds myself, I understand that achieving health goals can be tough. I salute the governor for setting a personal example, and I look forward to walking many Mountaineer Miles with everyone,” she said.
Walking initiatives like this are crucial, especially considering that according to the CDC, West Virginia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the U.S., with about 38% of adults classified as obese. Regular physical activity is key to combating this trend, as studies show that even small amounts of walking can significantly improve overall health and well-being.
With this collective effort, WVSOM and community members are ready to take steps towards better health, creating a culture of fitness that could inspire other regions in the state. Everyone walking together can make a difference, one step at a time.
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Source linkGreenbrier County
