From the Directors

Rose Savage Jackman, MPH
Certified Group Fitness Instructor (ACE)
Certified Track and Field Coach (USA Track and Field)
Certified Weight Management Specialist (American Dietetic Association)

Nancy Victor, MHS, MPA

In January 2000 a group of four women came together to support one another in their weight loss mission. We would gather articles and speak about nutrition and exercise. Each week we would weigh in and at the end of the month purchase a small gift incentive for each other to celebrate our weigh loss. We were successful and after nearly 3 months we loss an average of 12 pounds.

Soon after the opportunity came from SUNY Downstate President Dr. John LaRosa by way of the strategic planning process to organize programs on campus. In September 2000 the Healthy Downstate Program was co founded by myself and Nancy Victor. The health model is a work site peer-led program. Since we were lay people starting the program, I enrolled in courses for nutrition and fitness and received numerous certifications. Nancy developed plans and organized the program and studies. A Healthy Downstate Program conducted numerous studies which were presented and published in abstract form for the American Public Health Association, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and many other publications. A Healthy Downstate Program has been replicated in church and school settings. In addition to its numerous nutrition programs, it has several fitness programs including walking, dancing, yoga, and aerobics. Also, over the past 3 years we have partnered with Weight Watchers to bring the At Work program to Downstate. Part of the proceeds from a Healthy Downstate Programs provides an award to a graduating MPH student.

Many Downstate employees have taken advantage of and enjoyed these programs over the past 10 years. We welcome your suggestions for improving our programs.