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Writer's pictureDavid F. Lo, MBS

How to Organize The Healthy Lifestyle Center Event, A Comprehensive Guide

In Collaboration with The Healthy Lifestyle Center (THLC) https://som.rowan.edu/oursom/community/thlc.html

Under the supervision of Dr. Adarsh Gupta: https://adarshgupta.com/


Organizing a healthy lifestyle event requires meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide for future THLC leaders in setting up THLC stations at other events, either through APSEA or other community locations such as farmers markets, libraries, or community centers.


As the inaugural THLC x APSEA event, this pilot project was pivotal in testing and refining our future collaboration. My goal was to identify and address any logistical challenges, streamline processes, and establish a solid framework for future partnerships with APSEA and other community centers. This event provided valuable insights and set the groundwork for enhancing our effectiveness and ensuring the smooth execution of future health promotions and activities.


Here, I’ll share my experience in setting up a THLC station at the APSEA event on February 25, 2023, at the Sri Guruvayurappan Temple in Morganville, NJ, under the supervision of Dr. M (Temple Coordinator). Our station, dedicated to providing health counseling and workshops on nutrition and exercise, was part of a larger health event/camp hosted by the APSEA and lasted 6 hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.


Pre-Planning

Planning for our THLC station began a few months in advance. Here are the key steps we took in the pre-planning phase:

  • Initial Meetings and Coordination

    • I held planning meetings with APSEA & temple representatives to align on goals and objectives.

    • The goal is to schedule timings but also determine what THLC can provide to the temple & community members

  • Content Development

    • Creating engaging and informative PowerPoint presentations for the workshops was a major task. Topics included balanced nutrition, meal planning, effective exercise routines, and the benefits of physical activity.

    • Each presentation underwent several rounds of review and edits to ensure accuracy and clarity.

  • Logistics and Materials

    • We designed and printed flyers to promote our station within the larger event, emphasizing the importance of healthy living.

  • Venue Coordination

    • We liaised with the Sri Guruvayurappan Temple management to finalize the venue booking and ensure all logistical requirements were met.

  • THLC Training

    • No additional training was required for THLC members for THLC responsibilities

    • However, for THLC members who want to conduct health screenings or data collection, basic training was provided right before the event


Event Execution

On the day of the event, our pre-planning paid off. Here’s how we executed our THLC station:

  • Early Arrival and Setup

    • Our team arrived at the venue an hour early to set up the location. This included arranging tables and chairs, setting up signs, and ensuring all equipment was in place.

    • The projector and ppts were tested to ensure smooth presentations.

  • Training (Optional)

    • If THLC coaches want to do health screenings, they can get a quick refresher lesson before the event begins

  • THLC Station Setup

    • The THLC station was set up at the end of the screening line as an option for participants to gain counseling

  • Workshop Preparations

    • PowerPoint slides were tested to ensure they functioned correctly during the workshops.

  • Event Flow

    • The event kicked off at 10 AM with a welcome speech by Dr. M, highlighting the importance of healthy nutrition and exercise.

    • Workshops were conducted every hour alternating between nutrition and exercise, with breaks in between for participants to ask questions and interact with the speakers.

    • Interactive sessions included live demonstrations of healthy cooking techniques and exercise routines.

    • Participants were given handouts with key takeaways and tips to implement in their daily lives.

    • THLC coaches use the THLC Cheat Sheet as reference (see below)

  • THLC Leader Responsbilities

    • During the event, I served as point person between THLC and APSEA.

    • Always try to have a THLC leader bouncing between workshops and stations to ensure smooth flow and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.


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THLC Cheat Sheet

No Clinical Counseling

We cannot manage diseases, discuss medications, or chronic health issues. Our role is to make recommendations about eating healthy, improving activity status, managing stress, sleep, and overall lifestyle improvements.

Structure of the Session

  • Introduction

    • “The purpose of this session is to work with you and provide guidance to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. We can discuss any nutrition or exercise goals you have. Is there anything in particular that you want to talk about to start with?”

  • 24-Hour Food Recall

    • Ask about the client’s diet over the past 24 hours to get an idea of their eating habits and preferences.

  • Daily Activity Inquiry

    • Inquire about the client’s daily activity schedule, including exercise routines and any physical activities they regularly engage in.

  • Provide Recommendations

    • Offer personalized guidance based on the client’s lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

Inquire About the Client: Focus on Their Unique Lifestyle

  • Daily Activity Routine

    • Ask about their work:

    • What do they do for work?

    • What are their work hours (night shift, long shifts)?

    • Activity level (desk job vs. more active job)?

    • Do they have time to eat meals during work?

  • Activities They Enjoy

    • Encourage activities they enjoy:

    • Gardening, cleaning, shopping, yard work, etc.

    • Suggest subtle ways to increase activity:

    • Park the car further away.

    • Take the stairs.

    • Use a stand-up desk.

    • Aim for subtle adjustments to their usual routine to increase activity. Avoid drastic changes to ensure sustainability.

Dietary Recommendations

  • 24-Hour Food Recall

    • Understand meal timing, what they eat, and whether they cook or eat out.

    • Make recommendations based on what the client enjoys eating and any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, etc.).

  • Personalized Recommendations

    • Example: Don't recommend a salad for lunch to a client who dislikes lettuce. Find creative ways to increase vegetable intake.

    • Track protein, fiber, or calorie levels.

  • Nutrition Goals

  • Meals and Snacks:

    • 3 meals a day: ~350 calories and 20 grams of protein per meal.

    • 2 snacks a day: ~100-130 calories and 10 grams of protein per snack.

    • Eat every 2-3 hours while awake.

  • Benefits of Small, Frequent Meals:

    • Prevents blood glucose highs and lows, avoiding sluggishness.

    • Prevents hunger, reducing the tendency to overeat.

    • Helps keep the stomach small, increasing feelings of satiety.

    • Sustains energy levels and boosts metabolism.

  • Fruit and Vegetable Intake:

    • Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

    • Ensure at least 64 oz of water intake daily (water can come from vegetables, coffee, fruit, etc.).

    • Drink more water if sweating, increased activity, or in a warm environment.

    • Water intake helps build protein, leading to more lean body mass and a better metabolism.

Exercise and Other Activities

  • Strength Training

    • Weight-lifting is a good start.

  • Initial Program:

    • Exercise 2 days a week, with 2 days apart.

  • Sleep and Stress Management

    • Encourage 8 hours of sleep every night.

    • Promote activities to relieve and control stress.

    • Consider what the client enjoys for stress relief.

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Post-Event: Reflecting and Improving

After the event, we focused on cleanup and evaluating our efforts to plan for future improvements.

  • Cleanup and Organization

    • Alongside APSEA, we ensured the venue was left clean and organized. Equipment was packed away, and tables and chairs were returned to their original positions.

  • Feedback Collection

    • During the event, feedback forms were distributed to participants to gather their thoughts and suggestions. This feedback was invaluable in understanding what worked well and what could be improved.

  • Team Debrief

    • A debrief meeting was held with the APSEA team to discuss the event’s successes and areas for improvement.

  • Acknowledgments

    • I personally thanked all volunteers, APSEA partners, and Dr. M for their support and contributions to making the event a success.

      • Future THLC leaders can consider sending thank-you cards or emails





THLC Event Summary

  • Event Date: February 25, 2023

  • Location: Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, Morganville, NJ

  • Duration: 10 AM to 4 PM (6 hours)

  • Activities:

    • THLC Coaching

    • Nutrition Workshop

    • Exercise Workshop


My Total Time Spent

Here’s a breakdown of the time spent on various activities:

  • Pre-Planning (Total: ~10 hours)

    • Initial Meetings & Coordination: 3 hours

    • Content Development (PowerPoints, Handouts): 3 hours

    • Logistics and Materials Preparation: 2 hour

    • Venue Coordination: 0.5 hours

    • Volunteer Recruitment and Training: 1.5 hours

  • Event Execution (Total: ~7 hours)

    • Arrival & Setup: 1 hour

    • Event Activities: 6 hours

  • Post-Event (Total: ~5 hours)

    • Cleanup & Organization: 1.5 hours

    • Feedback Collection/Analysis: 1.5 hours

    • Team Debrief & Future Planning: 2 hours

Organizing this event was a comprehensive effort that required dedication and teamwork. In particular, the undergraduate APSEA Rowan & Rutgers students played a huge role in making this event a success. The positive feedback from participants reinforced the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles, and we look forward to hosting more such events in the future.



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