Drury University Program Could Help Combat Grim Obesity Outlook

(Springfield, MO) --  A shocking report published just last week put an alarming perspective on our the future of our nation's obesity epidemic.

Study: 42 Percent of Nation Will be Obese by 2030

Now Drury University is enticing students to take control of their health before accepting a diploma.

"As often as possible. Usually a couple times a week."

Putting one foot in front of the other is how Drury student Alex Duello makes working out a priority.

"You just have to make this a part of your daily habit."

Now students like Alex can cash in on class credit as part of an academic certificate program.

"They can leave with any degree and go in to their employer and actually provide value," says Drury Wellness Director Amy Blansit.

The program is starting up just as a national study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that 42 percent of Americans will be obese by 2030.

And according to Blansit, the incentive-based course could not be more perfectly timed.

"They're more present and they understand what it takes to be that present, effective employee."

Blansit says the 4-year course taught with the Cleveland Clinic emphasizes healthy eating, exercise and stress management, making for health-conscious potential employees by graduation.

"We look at the whole package in how do we make a well-rounded student."

Education before employment addressing a mounting health care concern.