Put down the fast food and stop making excuses to go to the gym, your college education could be at stake.

Whether you see it or not, there is a link between education and health. Putting off going to the gym or choosing fast food over healthy food may jeopardize your success.

“When students are healthy, they are more able to succeed in school,” said David C. Torres, the campus’ Health Nurse. “People have different ways of describing a healthy lifestyle. But for the most, it means living life in a way that helps that person to be both physically and emotionally healthy.” Torres strives to make current health resources available to the campus community, and he may be found in SC 129.

For lessons on healthy living, Palo Alto offers a variety of courses for students to learn how to properly care for themselves.

In Nutrition (BIOL 1322), students learn to “design an eating plan for themselves,” said Dr. Eleanor Skelly, Professor of Biology/Chemistry. The course focuses on teaching students about metabolism, categories of nutrients and the amounts of nutrients people need, as well as the consequenses of eating poorly. Skelly said that by the end of the course, students willingly change their eating habits.

Mental and emotional health should not be neglected. It can be just as important to stay healthy on a mental level as a physical level. Although Palo Alto’s counselors are known for advising, they are there for guidance and support as well.

“We’ll talk to you guys anytime you need it,” said Anthony Pierulla, Assistant Professor of Counseling. College can be a stressful time, and it always helps to talk to someone.

“Our training as counselor is basically to listen,” said Pierulla. “We won’t let anyone go out of here distraught.” He explains that the counseling will help as best to their ability and, if needed, direct students to further help. But even if it isn’t the Palo Alto counselors, Prierulla said just “talk to someone.”

Don’t forget the importance of keeping fit. If the cost of a gym membership is an issue, the Natatorium/Gymnasium complex is a great fitness resource on campus.

“It’s much cheaper than a health club,” said Susan Kazen, Chair of Kinesiology Health and Dance. “Plus you get instruction.”

Kazen encourages students to try something new. Palo Alto offers a variety of Kinesiology courses such as Yoga (KINE 1198), Fencing (KINE 1132), Swimming (KINE 1173), and even Social Dance (KINE 1167). A one-hour Kinesiology class costs $40 a semester, which works out to $10 a month.

“Relaxed but energized at the same time,” is how Jennifer Fernandez a freshman Sociology major described her experience with Yoga. She has health problems that prevent her from doing high pressure activities, but Yoga keeps her physically and emotionally fit.

Palo Alto also provides recreational activities and sports to students, and you don’t have to be in great shape to participate.

“There is something for everybody,” said Leandro Esparza, Coordinator of Recreational Activities and Sports.

Intramural sports may be for you if you are looking for fun and have no previous experience in sports, such as tennis, table tennis, soccer, basketball, flag football, horseshoes or volleyball.

Extramural sports require some background and a tryout that is usually held at the beginning of the semester. Palo Alto competes with other colleges in basketball, volleyball, soccer and cross country.

Recreational activities provide students, as well as faculty and staff, the opportunity to enjoy local outdoor adventures, such as hiking and bay fishing. For more information on these activities, look for fliers or contact Esparza at lesparza@accd.edu or in the Gym, Room 101C.

If you have what it takes to burn calories solo, the weight room and pool are free to use and open to all current Palo Alto students, faculty and staff. The weight room hours are 3:20 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. The pool hours are 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays-Fridays; 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Just bring your current Palo Alto student ID to show a lifeguard.

“Wellness involves both choice and action,” said Torres, the campus’ Health Nurse. ”Making positive choices in the areas of physical fitness, stress, work relationships, medication and nutrition—and then acting on those choices—promotes a sense of accomplishment and well-being.”