Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) recently hosted a series of events targeting health and wellness on its DeKalb and Newton campuses. As a part of its “Be ACTive” initiative to encourage faculty, staff and students to engage in healthy choices that will nourish the mind, body and spirit, GPTC held a “Healthy Choices Fair” in the Conference Center on the college’s DeKalb Campus.
Dr. Jabari Simama, President, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, invited faculty, staff and students, as well as community stakeholders to participate in the Be ACTive Healthy Choices Fair. In his opening remarks, he stated, “I hope all faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the surrounding communities, have a chance to visit the Fair to see what services and resources are available to them as they pursue a healthier, more productive life.”
The Be ACTive Program is the brainchild of Mrs. Nisha Simama, First Lady of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. A week-long event, each day of “Be ACTive Week” had a theme such as “Sustainability Day,” “Faculty/Staff Involvement Day,” “Student Involvement Day,” and Community Engagement/Advocacy Day.” The Healthy Choices Fair featured a variety of workshops, including “The Mind, Body and Spirit Connection” and -- Zumba ®.
“Be ACTive is our effort to encourage our GPTC family - faculty, staff and students - as well as our communities to choose a healthy lifestyle,” said Mrs. Simama. “When our bodies are healthy, we are able to enjoy life more whether we’re involved in work, volunteer or play activities. Our plan at Georgia Piedmont is to serve as a catalyst for developing a healthy mindset and encouraging healthy choices. We plan to offer Be ACTive programs throughout the upcoming months to promote healthy living,” she continued.
As the Honorary Chair of the Healthy Choices Fair, Mrs. Simama hosted a panel discussion, themed “Nourishing the WHOLE You,” that concluded the day’s events. Panelists included: Jeremy Lewis (Executive Director of CDF: A Collective Action Initiative, who shared information on urban gardening); Dr. Shea (A Natural Healing Affair); and Dr. Elaine Reedy, (Founder & CEO of ANP: A Natural Path).
Representatives from numerous organizations staffed tables during the Fair in order to showcase their health-related products and services. Participating organizations included: A Natural Healing Affair; Isagenix; Oakhurst Medical Center; Fresh Harvest; Aqua Massages; Healthways; Curves; and the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, among others. Additionally, representatives from several local farmers’ markets supplied fresh fruits and vegetables for purchase.
For more information regarding GPTC’s Be ACTive program, and/or become a partner in the initiative, please contact Cynthia Dorsey Edwards, Vice President of Community Engagement & Public Affairs at edwardsc@gptc.edu or, call 404-297-9522, ext. 1112.
