JCC Online Wellness Course Takes First Place

Course Honored by Governor's Council on Physical Fitness

             Jackson Community College is pleased to announce that the Internet Wellness Course, developed by Professor James J. Scott, of the Allied Health, Health and Physical Fitness Department, is the regional recipient of the Educational Materials of the Year Award, presented by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness. 

                Dr. James J. Scott will be honored, along with other award winners, at the annual Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports Awards Event on Monday, October 15 at the Lansing Center in Lansing.   Scott's wife, Lisa, who teaches physical education at Concord Community Schools, also received an award this year from the Governor's Council for the district's physical education program. 

                "I feel very honored that the course was recognized as a contribution in terms of educational materials.  My hopes are that this provides us with an opportunity and mechanism to serve more people in the community at large and provide more people with access to a course we feel very positively about."

                The JCC Internet Wellness Course covers not only the physical activity aspect of wellness, but also stress management, nutrition, weight control and body composition, addictive and dangerous behaviors, relationships and spirituality.  The course is conducted entirely online.  Since its inception in 1999, it has been one of the college's core requirements.  It is offered through Jackson Community College, Michigan Virtual University, and the Michigan Community College Virtual Learning Collaborative.  Course capacity has been full the last three semesters.

                In order to be considered for the Educational Materials of the Year award, nominees must have developed creative, effective educational materials promoting healthy physical activity. 

                The Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation are working to change the behavior of Michiganians and help them become more physically active, and, in turn, healthier.  Its programs reach a wide range of people in a systematic way, helping people to maintain lifelong health and prevent chronic disease.

                According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, increased physical activity can help prevent risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.  The Michigan Fitness Foundation is a nonprofit public charity foundation licensed to solicit charitable gifts and grants to support Council programs.  For more information, contact the Governor's Council at (800) 434-8642 or visit www.michiganfitness.org.

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