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Students at Holland College now have a month set aside to improve their health. January has been named Wellness Month and students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops, presentations and activities. Student services representatives from Charlottetown, Royalty, Summerside and Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality campuses have worked together to plan activities. Lorne Hughes, representative from Charlottetown Centre, explains the student-targeted program. "The idea came around to tie in with Non-Smoking Week," he says. "We figured we could turn it into a whole wellness month and help the students." Wellness Month is something new for the college. Hughes hopes it will inform people about their own health and show them ways to improve it. "We hope the students appreciate this information because it really will benefit them," he says. Guest speakers will talk to students about a variety of topics, such as nutrition, throughout the month. Tours through grocery stores are also planned, with a guide to show students how to shop and choose healthy foods. During Non-Smoking Week, there will be a Celebrity Butt-Out, involving some student union members and staff at the college. "We hope this will raise awareness about quitting smoking," Hughes remarks. Wellness Month involves emotional as well as physical health. A Hobbies Expo is planned for Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Different businesses will be there to show students various hobbies they can begin and how to get started. Hughes hopes students will attend and discover a hobby that would be right for them. "They can pick up a new hobby and realize it can be good for you to start something new," he says. During the month there will be a Dress for Success program. This will help students think about their clothing when they are going to a job interview, or for on-the-job training. Different skits and activities are planned to get students thinking about making a good impression on potential employers. Businesses and sponsors will be present to help make the right decision when purchasing products. The representatives have also gotten together a number of prizes and certificates that students can win simply by participating in the activities of Wellness Month. Every time students participate in an activity that makes them feel better, they can go to a ballot box and fill out their name, program and the activity they participated in. This gives them a chance to win one of the draws that will take place. Hughes hopes this will draw a lot of students to participate. "With a lot of these things, it's hit or miss," he says. "But it's our job to offer it to everyone, and promote it right." He feels it will be very beneficial for students to be involved in something like this. "I'm confident that students will see what an asset this is, and participate. And, hopefully, they will learn something along the way."-
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