York Clubs

York Clubs

To gain an understanding of the broader environment in which this initiative will take place, an external analysis was conducted of all York clubs with health-related initiatives. Overall, York clubs experience challenges navigating the politics of York's bureaucratic culture, standing out and attracting students from the close to 500 York clubs, and encouraging students to make time for healthy living.

Cooks for Health and Culture:

Cooks for Health and Culture (CHC) is a newer York club and just received official club status in December 2012. The club was founded by two fourth year York students and its goals is to encourage healthy eating and lifestyles through learning healthy eating/cooking habits and bringing awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity at York University. The founders were originally eager to conduct cooking seminars on campus to share information on how to cook and prepare foods healthfully. However, due to safety concerns, the club is not permitted to engage in any cooking or food preparation on campus. This setback was disappointing to club founders; however, they are determined to host meetings where students can share their healthy eating habits with each other.

Be Fit:

Be Fit is York student club for students interested in health and fitness. The club's mandate includes sharing health tips, guiding members in instructional workouts, and promoting healthy lifestyles. However, attempts to contact this club were unsuccessful. The club's email address does not work, and no upcoming events, which likely means this club is no longer operating.

Health Education and Promotion:

Health Education and Promotion (HealthEd)consists of two professional health promoters and a team of student health educators who plan events at York that are focused on health topics. HealthEd hosts events with the aim of raising awareness about health issues, sharing resources, and offering resources for students seeking support. HealthEd puts on several workshops and programs to help students learn to live a healthier lifestyle. HealthEd offers active living "Body Breaks", sessions on alcohol and drugs, sexual health, mental health and stress management, as well as nutrition. Because HealthEd is part of the York University organization and employs full-time staff, its events are ongoing and actively participates in the York community.

Active Living Challenge:

Active Living Challenge is a program that takes place annually in January and is put on by Health Education and Promotion. Throughout January, this program enables student participants to tack their physical activity online and encourages increased physical activity throughout the month.

Running Relief:

Running