Another major aspect of my course was a service learning project that we participated in to help provide health screenings to Busch LLC in Virginia Beach. To prepare for our performance of the health screenings, we refreshed our knowledge about BMI/body composition and blood pressure and additionally learned how to speak to individuals about their respective results. In class, for about a month before we conducted the screenings, we practiced using stethoscopes to read blood pressure and instructing individuals how to properly use a hand-held body composition measuring device. We were also instructed to create two infographics that were composed of the paramount information that we would be discussing during the screenings. A big part of our practice was to make sure that we were not only knowledgeable about the information we were relaying to the company members but also to be mindful of our language and maintain an encouraging tone.
I created these infographics in order to create an informative document that describes the importance of an individual’s BMI/body composition as well as blood pressure. The infographics show that I am able to create a visual display that communicates necessary information for a target audience. This also demonstrates my digital media abilities using programs like Canva.
For the health screening, I was able to successfully perform blood pressure measurements, and body composition analyses and communicate the results to each respective individual. This was a helpful experience for me to have because I learned how to communicate health information in not only an adequate but also a compassionate manner. From my experience, there were individuals who had readings that were deemed ‘unhealthy’ and I could sense that the topics being discussed were sensitive and uncomfortable. When I sensed these feelings arise, I had to overcome my timidness, be personable, and maintain focus so that I could be informative and accommodating toward their health. Being able to partake in these challenging conversations was helpful to my development as a professional because at the end of the day, communication is the most important way for me to connect with future patients and there are always ways for me to improve through consistent dedication and practice. The skills I gained of adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication will be substantial in my future as a graduate student and beyond into my professional career.
Reflection
When I took part in the health screenings, I didn’t realize the immense impact that I would be making on some of the staff members. One man, in particular, was genuinely fascinated with my stethoscope and asked me to go more in-depth than my pre-planned spiel in order to educate him further and even teach him how to use the stethoscope. This moment was priceless in my eyes and, at the moment, provided me with a humbleness I can’t begin to describe. I am grateful for having the opportunity to help educate people about their health and I hope that I made an impact in their lives that’ll stick with them for a lifetime. This experience was really important to me because it helped reassure me why I am studying exercise science and made me excited about what I plan to do in the future in cardiac rehabilitation