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Rob Price, Director of Marketing (Media calls)
602.243.8030 

Holiday pies and cookies sticking to your ribs?

If you’re at least 20 pounds overweight, you’ll want to enroll in the innovative 15-Week Weight Loss Camp that starts in January 2008 at South Mountain Community College.
 
“The timing couldn't be better. It's the beginning of the year, a new semester, and an opportunity to learn about a healthier way to live,” according to Kathleen Smerko,  a Master’s degree-prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Smerko – who will monitor the program and teach the Healthful Living class – said the program will cover many aspects of wellness including improved nutrition and fitness.  The program is presented by the Counseling Department of SMCC,  7050 S. 24th St.  (just north of Baseline Rd.)

“Unhealthful eating habits are commonly a result of stress,” added Jason Reif, SMCC counselor who will teach the stress management portion of the weight loss camp.

 “Strategies for easing anxious minds often coincide with healthful living habits that directly relate to healthful eating.  A healthy body responds better to the inevitable stresses of life, and good nutrition is a building block of good health.”

According to Reif, “Managing anxiety requires a body-mind system in order to remain focused and relaxed.  Good nutrition and exercise, positive self-talk, breathing techniques, visualization, muscle relaxation and more will be part of the course.  Just like stress management, eating right is a learned skill and not something that just comes naturally.”

Classes are:

• Healthful Living (HES 101), which begins Jan. 15, and will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 – 9:50 a.m. Kathleen Smerko will teach this class.  3 credits.
• Stress Management (CPD102AH); begins Jan. 15; will run Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 – 11:45 a.m. Taught by Counselor Jason Reif.  2 credits.
• Restorative Yoga (PED 101YR); begins Jan. 18; will be on Fridays from 10 – 11:30 a.m.;  taught by Kathy Tousek.  1 credit.
• Fitness Center (PED115); begins Jan. 15,  times/dates to be announced, SMCC.

Students may enroll in all of the classes, or a few as one class.  Classes are $65 a credit hour, plus a one-time-per-semester registration fee of $15.

To learn more about the program, contact the SMCC Counseling Department 602. 305.5608,  or enroll online at www.southmountaincc.edu.