A group of four Gannon Doctor of Physical Therapy students are doing what they can to educate young women about the importance of exercise and proper nutrition.

(L to R) Kelly Maine, Katie McNellie, Nancy Brown and Krista Lam led more than 20 female East High students in Club Fit, a voluntary fitness, nutrition and wellness program developed by Gannon in partnership with the Erie School District and the Hamot Health Foundation, which has helped fund the program with a $10,000 grant. The Gannon students, with help from Mary Jean Taylor, MA, PT, PCS, led the girls in exercises three times a week and offered nutritional advice and stressed the importance of positive body image and self-esteem.

Taylor, an adjunct faculty member and wife of President Taylor, has conducted extensive research on childhood obesity and the health problems associated with it. “Our focus with Club Fit is on helping the students learn and acquire positive habits that will serve them well for a lifetime,” she explained. The program is in cooperation with Erie-GAINS (Gannon Alliances
to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability), Gannon’s urban development campaign designed to benefit neighborhoods surrounding the campus.