April 16, 2008 – Each week for the remainder of the school year, health and wellness tips will be posted on the homepage of North Colonie Central School District’s Web site, thanks to physical education teacher Angela Farrigan.

While pursuing her master’s degree at Sage Graduate School in Community Health Education—a program designed to address the increased interest in wellness in the workplace and community—Farrigan researched and compiled an extensive list of statistics and tips about health and well-being.

“I’m very interested in fitness, wellness and health promotion,” said the junior and senior high school teacher, who is also a Shaker graduate.

As part of her practicum to complete her degree, Farrigan is focusing on health promotion for staff and faculty at Shaker Junior High School. In addition to promoting the tips, she has created an electronic staff newsletter focused on wellness and an employee survey that will be used to gather information for future lectures or classes on staff wellness.

Although her project is focused on educating staff and faculty about healthier lifestyles, she believes this knowledge will be passed on to students and the community as a whole.

“If students see their teachers practicing healthy behaviors, it is going to trickle down to them,” she said.

To view the health tips each week, click the graphic above, or click here.