Exercise Science Student Helps Southern Miss Community Get Healthy

Samantha DiMaggio, an exercise science master's student in The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Kinesiology, is helping lead a campus-wide health program.

As part of the Health is Golden campaign, the Healthy 100 program offers free, individualized health services to 100 faculty and staff. Participants work with a personal trainer and registered dietitian to help lower their risk of disease development.

“I hope to influence as many people as possible with improving not only their fitness, but also their health by helping participants change their habits,” said DiMaggio. “It isn't only about giving them a great workout or resources, but also being there along the way to give them the confidence in making the change.”

DiMaggio, a Chicago, Ill. native, works closely with Recreational Sports and the Moffitt Health Center to facilitate the registration process, personal training sessions and nutrition seminars.

“It is extremely rewarding working with the Healthy 100 program and seeing the excitement and commitment in the participants,” said DiMaggio. “The biggest success has been how much better the participants have felt in their everyday lives, and noticing a huge difference in their fitness.”

DiMaggio, who also has a master's degree in public health from Southern Miss, is helping the Hattiesburg community create healthy habits. Through a Health is Golden community outreach program, DiMaggio is working with Edwards Street Fellowship Center to implement a walking program.

The Health is Golden campaign is designed to create and sustain a culture of wellness at Southern Miss, surrounding communities and schools. The campaign is funded by a grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. For more about the campaign, visit www.usm.edu/wellness. For more information about the USM College of Health's School of Kinesiology, visit www.usm.edu/kinesiology.