In May 2022, the Medical-Dental Clinic launched the “Have 8 All, Every Step Counts” initiative, which continues to impact the university community positively. This ongoing program is designed to encourage the adoption of eight essential healthy habits among students and employees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed people’s lives, affecting lifestyle choices and nutrition. Lockdowns and restrictions led to limited access to healthy food, unhealthy eating habits, reduced physical activity, and adverse effects on mental health. Consequently, there has been an alarming increase in rates of overweight and obesity, with direct links to various diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, respiratory issues, and even COVID-19, as reported by the National Nutrition Council in 2021.
Even before the pandemic, there were employees at the university with high blood pressure and those who were overweight or obese. Data gathered from students and employees visiting the clinic for consultations, physical examinations, and health checks before on-the-job training revealed that 7.6% were underweight, 48.6% had a normal BMI, and 43.9% fell into the overweight to obese category.
The Medical-Dental Clinic launched the “Have 8 All, Every Step Counts” initiative to promote good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. This program’s primary goal is to encourage active participation from all university employees in their pursuit of improved health. Collaborating closely with various university departments, the initiative is specifically designed to foster the adoption of eight essential healthy habits among the UC community, which are:The Eight Essential Healthy Habits:
No Smoking:The journey to good health begins with the decision not to smoke. The harmful consequences of smoking are widely known, and the “Have 8 All” initiative stands firmly against this habit.
No Alcohol:Abandoning alcohol consumption is the second vital step in the journey to a healthier lifestyle. There are countless alternatives for relaxation, and the initiative encourages individuals to explore these options.
No Illegal Drugs:A life free from the clutches of illegal drugs is not wasted and ruined. The initiative advocates choosing to steer clear of these harmful substances.
Healthy Eating:Maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Avoiding fatty, salty, and sweet foods is fundamental to this habit. Small changes in dietary choices can lead to significant improvements in health.
Normal Blood Pressure:High blood pressure should be taken seriously. Diet and lifestyle modification is the path to achieving and maintaining an average blood pressure level.
Daily Exercise:A minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise is encouraged. It doesn’t have to be complicated; it could be as simple as brisk walking or taking a break to stretch your legs.
Happiness:Promoting happiness is a priority. The initiative encourages individuals to find joy, laughter, and playfulness.
Hydration:Staying adequately hydrated is essential for overall health. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily ensures the body’s systems function properly.
The “Have 8 All Challenge” is central to the initiative, encouraging individuals to make better choices and adopt healthier habits for both physical and mental well-being. Each of the eight practices emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-control in leading a healthier life.WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
As part of this comprehensive initiative, the Weight Loss Program garnered enthusiastic participation from employees across various departments and colleges, including faculty members and non-teaching staff. From May 2022 to May 2023, the program targeted individuals with BMI in the overweight and obese categories. Winners were selected based on their consistent practice of the eight healthy habits, notable improvements in BMI and WHR, active participation in wellness activities with other departments, and the highest weight loss percentage.
The “Have 8 All, Every Step Counts” progress chart was crucial for assessing and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Participants tracked their Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), and healthy habits, allowing them to visualize their journey and stay motivated.MOVE IT FRIDAY
In addition to the weight loss program, a weekly exercise program, in collaboration with the College of Teacher Education, the Center for Creative Productions, and the Integrated School, provides a consistent avenue for physical activity. This initiative aims to enhance the mental well-being of both employees and students through physical activity. “Move it Friday” launched in May 2022 and continues today. It features alternating weekly aerobics and martial arts exercise sessions, encouraging students and employees to join at the UC theater every Friday from 5:00 to 6:00.SPORTS FEST
The university has also prioritized sports fests to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and stress reduction. Although preliminary registration occurred, the activity was postponed due to ongoing gymnasium renovations and improvements. Planning and coordination are underway to ensure this activity’s resumption in collaboration with the Human Resources and Development Office and the Sports Development Office.IEC CAMPAIGN: WEEKLY HEALTH AWARENESS ARTICLES
The university’s health awareness articles and IEC materials are vital in promoting health education within the UC community. These resources are a consistent and accessible source of valuable information on various health topics, from disease prevention and healthy lifestyles to managing specific health conditions. To ensure widespread dissemination, health information is delivered through email blasts for employees on Outlook and Canva for student postings.MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
The UC Guidance and Counselling Office offers mental health support for students, including counseling, monitoring, and referral services. In addition to these services, information sessions are provided to discuss and address mental health concerns among students.FOOD AND WATER SANITATION
The school canteen plays a crucial role in a dedicated effort to safeguard the well-being of the university community, with a primary focus on preventing illnesses and averting potential food and water-related crises and outbreaks. The canteen offers a range of affordable, nutritious meal options to students and staff, achieved through the implementation of efficient portion control, responsible utilization of leftover food, sourcing organic vegetables to promote health and sustainability, and maintaining stringent quality standards for handling meat products. Additionally, the safety of the university’s water sources is of utmost importance, with quarterly water testing conducted to ensure that the water fountains around the school campuses are consistently safe for drinking. Furthermore, regular canteen inspections are carried out to ensure that the facilities remain well-maintained, clean, and hygienic. This ensures that the food served to students, employees, and visitors is always safe for consumption.SEX EDUCATION MAKES KIDS SAFER
To further educate and create awareness, the “Have 8 All” initiative hosted a health talk titled “Sex Education Makes Kids Safer” for Junior High School students. The event featured speakers from the Baguio Health Services Office who delved into crucial topics such as adolescence, puberty, human fertility, reproduction, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV.
These initiatives and programs exemplify the power of collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to well-being. Through these endeavors, the UC community is making significant strides toward a healthier and more sustainable future.
The “Have 8 All, Every Step Counts” initiative introduces the “Have 8 All Challenge,” which centers around these eight healthy habits. Each habit is a building block to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Participants are encouraged to embrace these habits as part of their daily routine, thereby improving their lives.
