That double fudge brownie ice cream sure is tempting.

But so are the benefits of healthy living. After all, who wouldn't want to look better, feel better and sleep better?

In an effort to combat South Carolina’s obesity and diabetes rates, which are some of the highest in the nation, Coker College has begun incorporating more physical wellness programming into all dimensions of campus life.

Throughout the year, the College hosted free health screenings, trigger-point massages and two blood drives.  Speakers from Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, the Center for Health & Wellness, Darlington Health Services, Healthy Living of Darlington County and the YMCA presented about various health topics, including diabetes, fat content, fitness, healthy living, nutrition, portion sizes and salt in the diet.

Additional efforts include promoting intramurals, offering healthy alternatives in the dining hall and developing personalized nutrition plans.

G-Lazer Zumba. Sound fun?

Coker’s intramurals membership increased to 322 students in the spring semester and grows weekly by about 6 new members when classes are in session.

The programs accommodate a wide range of interests and skill levels, so there is something for just about everyone. And if there isn’t? Students can start something new.

“I started an intramural swim team for Coker,” said Samantha Fletcher, a junior art major from Pompton Lakes, N.J. “My goal for the swim program has been to give people who have a desire to swim the ability to do so.”

And Kaitlynn Jessup, a sophomore physical education and sports studies major from Hampton, Va., has loved Zumba since she was 12. After becoming a licensed instructor, she decided to offer classes at Coker.

Over 150 students attended G-Lazer Zumba, a Coker-original Zumba event that added lasers and glow-in-the-dark accessories to the already exciting dance-fitness program that incorporates international music into a fast-paced workout.

“To me, the most important things are helping people achieve their weight loss goals, having fun for an hour straight and getting in a good workout,” Jessup said.

What’s new in the Susanne G. Linville Dining Hall?

Smoothies, more fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain breads, non-fat yogurt and the best salad bar in the Pee Dee.

The COBRAFIT dining option provides the College community with healthy alternatives. Nutritional information is displayed at every station in the dining hall to encourage healthier decisions.

Mary-Margaret Porter, Coker’s Food Service Director, reported that many faculty and staff members now choose to have lunch in the dining hall.

“Everyone has been extremely receptive to the revamping of the salad bar,” she said. “Our spread is pretty impressive. People have told me it’s one of the best salad bars in the area.’”

Can you cut out the doughnuts?

Personalized nutrition plans for students promote weight loss through healthy eating and activity.

“The best thing about my plan was that it catered to my personal needs,” said Christina Nealey ’11 of Gorham, Maine, who developed a nutrition plan last semester with Brandon Fain, Coker’s Intramurals Director.

During the early stages of the plan development, Nealey kept a food journal of everything she ate and wore a heart monitor to track caloric expenditure and daily heart rate through rest, exercise, class and sleep.

After seven days, Nealey and Fain analyzed the food intake record and heart monitor results and planned accordingly. Weekly meetings followed, and Nealey was responsible for monitoring each day to reach her goals, with the assistance of a strong support system.

“I lost seven pounds the first week,” Nealey said. “I hope students continue to take advantage of the great advice and support available at Coker.”

So what’s next?

While smoothies are a delicious and healthy alternative to ice cream, only so much can be done without enhanced facilities.

“A new wellness center at Coker will be a cornerstone in the redefinition of Cobra athletics, as well as health and wellness across the entire campus,” said Lynn Griffin, the College’s athletics director.

Students, faculty and staff will be able to utilize the new multidimensional facility, as it will house classrooms, fitness and weight rooms, offices, study areas and a new gymnasium.

To help Coker continue improving the health of the community, please consider giving a gift in support of the new wellness center today.

For more information, contact Ashley Simatic - 843.383.8018