The University of North Florida gives students ways to maintain or improve their health on campus through physical activity opportunities, nutrition services and Student Health Services.
There are opportunities to stay active on campus using the Dottie Dorion Fitness Center, group fitness classes and nature trails. Students can maintain a healthy diet by using UNF’s Nutrition Services and Wellness Dietitians. Students can also use the Student Health Services for any health concerns or questions.
Physical activity opportunities
Students have resources on campus, such as group fitness classes, the Dottie Dorion Fitness Center, and nature trails.
Group fitness classes are located in the Student Wellness complex, and there is a wide variety of classes for students to choose from, such as Yoga, Zumba, and Booty Blast. No sign-ups are necessary, and all equipment for the classes is provided in the group fitness rooms.
The Dottie Dorion Fitness Center can be found on the second floor of the student wellness complex and has over 260 exercise stations, according to the Recreation and Wellness website.
There are opportunities for physical activity outdoors with the nature trails.
At the Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails, there are three main trails and two loop connector trails. These are open to the public from sunrise to sunset, according to the Recreation and Wellness website.
Ashley Ballard has been working at UNF for 20 years and has been the senior director of RecWell for eight years.
The nature trails could have an impact on students’ physical and mental health. “It improves overall mental health,” Ballard said.
According to Mental Health America, nature can benefit one’s mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing focus. They conducted a survey regarding the connection between mental health and nature and described the benefits of getting vitamin D from sunlight, having indoor plants, and having a connection with nature.
“We want to make the healthy choice, the easy choice,” Ballard said.
Nutrition Services
The UNF Wellness Dieticians offer students nutrition counseling, healthy cooking demonstrations, and presentations, according to the Recreation and Wellness website
Nutrition counseling is available for all UNF students, faculty and staff. Some of the concerns that the Wellness Dieticians cover are weight gain, weight loss, meal planning and food allergies.
The Wellness Dieticians also offer healthy cooking demonstrations using the Healthy Osprey Teaching Kitchen. In these demonstrations, they have recipes for students to make healthy and affordable meals. The dieticians provide students with a hands-on approach during the demos to teach students kitchen skills.
The Wellness Dieticians also offer presentations about healthy eating and meal planning. These presentations are offered to UNF classes and organizations.
Student Health Services
All students who pay fees with their tuition are able to visit the student health clinic for free, although students might have to pay a fee for tests, labs and other procedures that need to be conducted.
Some of the services available for students are physical exams, birth control methods, minor surgical procedures, x-rays and more.
If students have a headache, pain, allergies or cuts, the student health services can give them supplies. Students can ask for bandages, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and antihistamines from the clinic for free, according to Valerie Morrison, the senior director of Student Health Services.
The clinic is located in Building 39A on the second floor.
Valerie Morrison graduated from UNF in 1991 and returned in 2020 as the senior director of Student Health Services.
Student Health Services strives to ensure the well-being of students. “Our mission is to build a foundation of health and well-being,” Morrison said.
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