Oct. 24, 2022–October is Exercise is Medicine On Campus Month at Missouri Western State University.

Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) is a worldwide initiative to promote exercise and overall wellness on college campuses. Missouri Western launched EIMOC on campus this fall, becoming just the fourth college in Missouri to participate. Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western’s president, proclaimed October 2022 as Exercise is Medicine on Campus Month, encouraging the campus community to engage in physical exercises in the interests of better health and quality of life.

“We know that physical activity can improve a person’s overall health and help treat or prevent numerous chronic conditions, such as hypertension, cardiac disease and diabetes,” said Stephanie Gerlach, assistant professor of exercise science. “It also boosts our mood and generally improves our quality of life. The goal of Exercise is Medicine on Campus is to encourage students, faculty and staff to make daily exercise an important part of our campus culture.”

At Missouri Western, EIMOC is a student-led initiative with support from faculty and staff in Health Professions, Recreation Services, Human Resources, the Student Health Center and the Counseling Center. 

EIMOC hosts walks on campus every Tuesday and Thursday at noon, starting at the Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower, as well as stretching classes each Monday at 8:30 a.m. and Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Baker Family Fitness Center. Bicycles for use on campus were purchased for the program with state grant funding. Additional special events are planned, including an ice skating outing to Bode Ice Arena on Nov. 9.

For more information, visit the Exercise is Medicine on Campus website at missouriwestern.edu/eim or email eimoc@missouriwestern.edu. 

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.