Keep Moving

The global pandemic has led to a worldwide lock-in. According to Newcastle University epidemiologist, Nicole Valtorta, “Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits” ( Heart , Vol. 102, No. 13). Quarantine orders have increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, perpetuated a sense of helplessness in individuals worldwide, and caused many people to lose their life purpose.

Keep Moving is an initiative born from the FAU Division of Research's COVID-19 Challenge that aims to combat at-home challenges faced by the FAU community through encouraging engagement in virtual volunteering, mental health check-ins, wellness and fitness activities, and motivational segments. We are a team of FAU students who submitted proposals aimed at improving the well-being of our beloved FAU students, faculty, staff, and friends.

Christy LaFlamme, a recent Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College graduate, is heading up the virtual volunteering portion of the project. She says, “One of the best ways to foster human connection is by helping others. Through the virtual volunteering initiative, FAU students can receive volunteer hours from NobleHour for their participation in a wide array of online opportunities, such as online tutoring, translating documents, raising money for charity from home, and much more.”

Alexia Betances, a sophomore from the College of Design and Social Inquiry majoring in Social Work, has taken on the mental health and wellness part of the project. She states, “Feelings of hopelessness, pain, and negativity have increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.” Keep Moving will post podcast episodes and videos discussing mental health issues, as well as host interactive meetings to promote conversation, share struggles, and spread positivity.

Michelle Cunningham, a graduate student pursuing a Masters degree in Educational Leadership is in charge of the wellness and fitness category. Cunningham adds, “It is widely known and well-supported by research studies that proper nutrition and exercise can increase energy, improve mood, and trigger immune function against infection.” The wellness and fitness portion will provide videos, articles, and encouragement for people to keep their bodies healthy through nutrition and exercise. Keep Moving participants will have the option to connect with other members virtually to make healthy meals and complete exercise modules.

Toluleke Famuyiwa, a graduate student pursuing his Ph.D. in Integrative Biology and serving as an adjunct Professor of Biology, will run the motivation and laughter section. As a trained coach, speaker, and mentor, Tolu hopes to incorporate his expertise in leadership into motivational segments aimed at providing encouragement and comfort during these difficult times. He notes, “Keep Moving wants to help the FAU community to reflect on their accomplishments and stay motivated to continue to pursue their goals from home.”

Additionally, Keep Moving will post instructional videos about how to make masks and hand sanitizer at home. Keep Moving plans to create “mask-making” packages or pre-made masks for students who lack access to such materials and encourage students to show their school pride with their masks!

Join Keep Moving on the web at: https://www.faukeepmoving.com/ and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at: @faukeepmoving. 

Keep a lookout for our upcoming events and activities. They will be announced here on the FAU Thrive webpage and on our forthcoming Keep Moving webpage and social media.