Navigation for Health & Wellness Promotion:

Interview with Dr. Frank Ardito, Department Chair

Health and Wellness Class

How did you initially get interested in wellness and how would define that term?

I originally got interested in wellness when I first went to college. It was during a contemporary health class that I learned the significance of holistic health—meaning mind, body and spirit. Prior to this time, I had thought of academic success as purely intellectual in scope. Attending college and this course, allowed me to broaden my ideas of success both in and out of school. Ultimately, this was personally empowering, as the idea of wellness translated into life success. Therefore, a person (such as myself) that excelled in certain areas and not others could be considered "well" despite the overwhelming thought that "book smarts" translates into success in life.

I would define the term wellness as a state of health that encompasses the following dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental.

How would you describe your academic background and teaching interests?

My academic background has been focused, in large part, on three developmental stages, the first of which was the exercise sciences. These would include functional human anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology and exercise testing and prescription. The second stage in my academic background included a focus on holistic health, wellness and prevention of illness, injury and disease. Finally, my most recent academic work has included the study and application of teaching and learning effectiveness at the college level.

As the new chairperson of the Health and Wellness Promotion Department at CLC, what is your vision for the department's future?

My vision for the department is commensurate with that of CLC as well as the needs of our community. It includes an emphasis on the World Health Organization's suggestion that we, as a community, are not focusing enough on prevention. It also embraces the most recent mandate set forth by the American Medical Association and the American College of Sports Medicine which states that exercise is indeed medicine. On this basis, I envision the Health and Wellness Department at CLC taking a leadership role in preparing individuals to assume professional roles throughout the community that emphasize the prevention of illness, injury and disease. This will happen through the offering of classes and programs that prepare students for roles in health, fitness and wellness.

What is one thing most people don't know about the College of Lake County's Health and Wellness department? (ie, in terms of what we currently offer)

By virtue of the original department name that was recently changed (Physical Education), many people don't know that we currently offer several courses that are wellness and prevention focused. For example, our department offers Contemporary Health Issues, Theory and Practice of Fitness and a wide variety of activity courses, including Tai-Chi, Spinning, Strength Training and many more. Students may also be unaware that almost every course offered through the Health and Wellness Promotion Department are transferrable to four-year colleges.

What new programs are you currently developing at the College of Lake County?

We are excited about the progress we've made on three specific programs. The first one is a certificate program in Personal Training, which will prepare individuals for an exciting career in a variety of settings. The second program is a certificate in Wellness Coaching. This emerging area prepares students to help individuals in more of a holistic, life-coaching capacity. Both of these programs can be completed in as little as two semesters. Lastly, we are working on an AAS degree in Health and Wellness Promotion. This degree will provide additional knowledge and skills for individuals in the aforementioned disciplines as well as other health professions, such as massage therapists.

Why did you feel there was a need to develop these programs at this time?

As many have realized through the extraordinary media exposure of the most recent presidential election, health care is one of the primary challenges facing society. This is a problem that transcends socioeconomic boundaries and effects every person in every community. Our school, CLC, is a community leader and, as such, has a responsibility to take a proactive role in creating solutions to our health care crisis. The creation of these programs and the accompanying courses, is a significant step in the right direction.

What types of questions should students ask themselves before enrolling in CLC's Personal Training, Wellness Coaching and/or Health and Wellness Promotion Degree programs that are scheduled to start in fall 2009?

Prior to enrolling in these programs, students should ask themselves several questions:

  1. Do I see myself being satisfied working closely with other people?
  2. Do I value and recognize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle?
  3. Am I willing to be flexible from a scheduling standpoint to meet the needs of people I will serve?
  4. Am I ready to be open-minded and disciplined in order to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to be a capable, competent professional?
  5. Am I able to effectively communicate with a diverse population of individuals who can benefit from health and wellness?

What are some of the most surprising trends in the fitness and personal training industry?

One of the most surprising trends in the fitness industry is the growth that it continues to enjoy. While many industries have experienced declines in professional opportunities, the health and fitness professions continue to significantly increase. This holds true at national, state and local levels and is expected to continue throughout the next decade. Another trend in this industry is the declaration of common professional standards. While the fitness industry is not currently licensed and there are over four hundred certifications, those in leadership roles have begun the process of standardizing the knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for effective personal training.

Why might an associate's degree in Health and Wellness Promotion be useful to people in the wellness industry?

Perhaps the most compelling reason that an associate's degree in Health and Wellness Promotion is useful is that virtually every health profession currently requires a college degree in order to maintain viable professional employment. While the preventive health professions are still emerging, individuals preparing for them should recognize this industry standard and pursue it. Doing so will send a clear message to prospective employers that these students recognize best-practice in professional preparation and are serious about the roles and responsibilities they will assume.

If students are interested in pursuing baccalaureate or advanced degrees in wellness-related areas, why questions should they be asking themselves?

Students considering the pursuit of baccalaureate or advanced degrees in health and wellness areas should ask themselves the following:

  1. What specific professional discipline would I like to pursue long-term?
  2. Is an advanced degree in health and wellness a requirement for the area(s) I'm most interested in?
  3. What is the salary differential for individuals who have an advanced degree?
  4. Might I decide to pursue self-employment in the health and wellness industry?
  5. Will my existing lifestyle allow me to pursue and successfully complete an advanced degree (in terms of the costs, scheduling demands and social support?
 
 
 
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