Abstract
This thesis explains the benefits of having a one-day health and fitness event for women at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. This event will be a way for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and the Sisters of Providence to collaborate in providing a community resource that will help women in the Terre Haute area lessen the risk of heart disease.
One problem is that the number one killer of U. S. women is heart disease (CDC, 2017). The health ranking for Vigo County is 81 out of 92 counties in Indiana (Givens, Jovaag & Dijk, 2017). More community opportunities are needed to address 33% of adults in Vigo County being obese and 29% of adults being physically inactive (Givens, Jovaag & Dijk, 2017).
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and the Sisters of Providence are always looking for ways to bring more visitors to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The proposed event, called Woods Fitspo, will incorporate inspirational and motivational education for ways busy women can eat well and be more active. There will be an emphasis placed on the importance of getting enough rest, family support, a good attitude, and finding purpose. Women will learn new fitness and healthy eating tips. Throughout the day there will be exercise sessions, fitness demonstrations and a cooking session. There will be some technology sharing to teach those who are interested easy ways to track progress and find new exercise routines. Health screenings performed by local health professionals with the assistance of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College nursing and wellness students will allow women to know the reality of their health. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local vendors and instructors that can be followed long after the event. Local businesses will be given the opportunity to sponsor the event to make it affordable for 80-100 participants.
