From Beaufort County Community College 

MDC representatives Stephanie Saunders and Jenna Bryant visited Beaufort County Community College on March 15 to review the progress made by the college’s Beau-Fitt program. They joined staff from the Institutional Research Department in walking the 1-mile fitness trail and held a focus group consisting of eight community members, staff, faculty and students while on campus. The group was excited by positive outcomes, confirming the success of the initiatives put in place over the past seven months.

Jennifer Lewis, Vidant Beaufort Hospital community health nurse, stated that BCCC was the first organization to partner with Vidant on an extensive health and wellness program. Everyone is excited to see the results of the post-assessment on May 6 to see the weight loss, lower numbers of cholesterol and other changes in health factors. The post-assessment is when the 45 Fit Band users will weigh in and see if the program met their goals. Many of the people in the focus group attributed the Beau-Fitt contests and walking the trail as a defining factor in their success. Overall, the group has lost 75 pounds so far.

Julie Crippen, grant writer and special projects director, led a discussion about what is next for the Beau-Fitt group. Focus group participants suggested demonstrating the Beau-Fitt program to area businesses and helping them set up their own equivalent. Other ideas included hosting healthy eating and cooking classes at the Beaufort campus and possibly at other locations, including the new Washington County Center.

BCCC President Dr. Barbara Tansey related the increased comradery among the staff as a result of the Beau-Fitt teams and how she herself has increased her steps in her workday. Crippen noted that this “leadership by example” by Dr. Tansey has really helped the campus community move forward with this initiative. The fact that Dr. Tansey and senior staff joined in the program and led the way helped to encourage everyone working for and with them to take part in the program.

The program’s next events are cross fit on March 24 from 4-5 p.m. and a cooking demonstration on April 19, with a cooking demonstration from 12-1 p.m. in Building 4, room 102. The first 50 to attend will receive a prize.

BCCC’s IMFITT 1-mile fitness trail with exercise stations is open to the public, and there is information at each piece of equipment about how to use it and what muscle groups are targeted. It was built with a grant from Kate B. Reynolds Foundation and MDC.

For more information about BCCC’s fitness trail and a schedule of events for the Get Beau-Fitt Campaign, visit www.BeaufortCCC.edu/IMFITT, or contact Ron Baldwin at 252-940-6278 or BCCC Special Projects Coordinator Julia Crippen at 252-940-6271 or Julia.Crippen@BeaufortCCC.edu.