New Waterloo course aimed at keeping students healthy

Universities are known for preparing students for careers, but they don’t always do a great job of preparing them for the ups and downs of life. This winter, Waterloo students will have the chance to learn tools and tricks to stay healthy through whatever life throws at them, thanks to a new course developed by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.

“Students often lack basic knowledge on how healthy lifestyles can influence all facets of your life ranging from overall happiness to success in your career,” said Ron McCarville, associate dean of undergraduate studies.

The course, AHS 100: Foundations of a Healthy Lifestyle, will focus on the basics of health, wellness, and disease prevention. Students will learn how to cope with stress, improve their diet, and be wise consumers of health products.  The course is equal parts theory and practice. It’s open to all students outside of Applied Health Sciences programs.

“We want students to plan for their own well-being, within their own environment,” said McCarville.

Biggest barrier is lack of time and routine

Between coursework, jobs, extracurricular activities, a lack of time and routine are the biggest challenges students face.

“Students today feel very stretched between multiple responsibilities and that feeling doesn’t go away once you leave university,” said Wade Wilson, the lecturer who will teach the course.

“Our goal is simply to help students determine the right lifestyle for them and then give them the tools to achieve it. It’s not about completely changing the way you live. It’s about making small changes to your routine to achieve a balanced, healthy life.”

Students who are interested in AHS 100 can enroll now for its first class in the winter 2016 term.