When the New Jersey Hospital Association wanted to engage college students in some health-related activities, it went retro. As in “put down their phones, take out their earbuds and connect with others and their own well-being,” according to the NJHA.
The association and several of its members hosted the “Retro-Activity” event at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown recently, the second such gathering it’s staged to reach students. About 200 attended the event, which was moved inside because of rain. It featured smoothie and salad stations; stress-busting tips; a giant ‘Operation’ game; horticulture therapy, oversized Jenga and checkers games, a drumming circle and pet therapy.
Local systems involved in the event were Atlantic Health System, Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, The Valley Hospital and Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
“Good health begins in the community or, in this case, on campus,” said NJHA CEO Cathy Bennett. “If our goal is to create healthier communities, we need to reach individuals early and promote healthy behaviors. And in today’s culture, when it’s all too easy to plug in and tune out, a key part of wellness is to promote fun activities that urge students to get moving and connect with others.”
A third event is planned for the fall.
