Hillsdale College’s Women’s Holistic Health Club: A New Journey Towards Wellness

In a world increasingly focused on personal health and holistic living, Hillsdale College has introduced a new initiative that promises to engage and educate students about alternative health strategies. The Women’s Holistic Health Club, founded by junior Analise Hess, is geared towards fostering discussions about nutrition and wellness while developing a supportive community among students.

The Spark of Inspiration

Analise Hess’s journey into holistic health began in her ninth grade, a pivotal moment spurred by her mother’s diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition. Faced with the limitations of conventional medicine, Hess’s mother opted for a naturopathic approach, focusing on a paleo diet and supplementation. Remarkably, this shift led to a complete remission of her symptoms.

“Ever since then, I’ve been listening to podcasts and reading books and just being super nerdy about it,” Hess recalled. Her passion ignited a desire to share her knowledge and experience with others at Hillsdale, but initially, she was unaware that other students shared her interests.

The Birth of the Club

Realizing that there was a significant number of women on campus interested in holistic health, Hess decided to fill the gap she observed. “There was kind of a void,” she noted. Armed with determination, she reached out through social media and organized an introductory meeting that drew nearly 30 women, establishing a strong foundation for the club.

The Women’s Holistic Health Club will meet monthly, focusing on topics such as nutrition, hormone health, strength training, and sleep, with Hess underscoring a crucial aspect: “The main focus of the club is also how to apply these principles. How do we implement these into our lives as busy Hillsdale students?”

A Supportive Network

The club’s structure is designed not just for information sharing but also for nurturing a sense of accountability among members. They will benefit from guest speakers, Q&A sessions, and breakout discussions, enabling them to create healthy routines in a supportive setting.

Nikki Walbright, associate athletic director and head women’s tennis coach, serves as the club’s adviser. She teaches a women’s health and nutrition course at the college and recognizes the importance of Hess’s efforts. In her words, “Analise has done a great job of getting things organized, and her passion for health is really what spearheaded the start of this group.”

Walbright’s Insights on Holistic Living

During the introductory meeting, Walbright shared her own journey toward holistic health, shedding light on her transformation from a sports-centric lifestyle that overlooked nutritional health to one that embraces it fully. Reflecting on her childhood habits, she admitted, “I ate a lot of Cheetos and drank pop… but we were super active.” Now, as a mother of four and a holistic advocate, Walbright emphasizes the importance of nurturing one’s body through informed choices.

Her discussion covered essential topics such as the pitfalls of over-supplementation, the significance of obtaining nutrients through food, and understanding cycle health. Her insights lead to a nuanced understanding of holistic health, encouraging attendees to be passionate about their bodies while being informed and proactive.

Member Experiences

Junior Veronica Fogo, who attended the inaugural meeting after hearing about the club from a friend, echoed the significance of the information shared. Growing up in a family that valued alternative health solutions, she found the club’s focus aligned with her interests. Walbright’s candid approach, which humorously acknowledged a “crunchy” side to health, resonated with Fogo, who felt encouraged to reassess her lifestyle choices.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” she admitted, but she left the meeting feeling inspired. Following Walbright’s advice, Fogo began experimenting with her routine by changing her sleep pattern and spending more time outdoors. A simple suggestion to step outside barefoot before her morning coffee resulted in a refreshing experience that left her feeling uplifted and energized.

Looking Ahead

The Women’s Holistic Health Club at Hillsdale College not only aims to educate its members about alternative health strategies but also seeks to create a supportive community for women interested in holistic living. As they navigate their busy lives as students, the club presents an opportunity to share experiences, learn from each other, and hold one another accountable to healthier choices.

With monthly meetings on the horizon and a wealth of resources at their fingertips, members are looking forward to the journey ahead. As Hess put it, “I can’t wait to see how this will grow and impact our share understanding of holistic health.”

In a society increasingly aware of health’s multifaceted nature, the Women’s Holistic Health Club stands as a beacon for like-minded individuals to converge, learn, and grow together on a path toward overall wellness.