Submitted by Leanna Bahaduron the 2019 summer session program in Italy sponsored by the School of Nursing…
I have been in Italy for almost a week now and I have to say that I am enchanted, mesmerized, by Florence. Do not get me wrong, I love America. I know I am graced with opportunity there, such as the IGS Scholarship. However, we know there is room for improvement with our culture. One area where we can improve, especially with the increased obesity rates, is physical activity. As a nursing student at the University of Delaware, I have learned the diseases, limitations, and complications that are likely to occur from being overweight. I have yet to see an obese Italian here. I am sure there may be some, but certainly the rates are lower. The culture of Florence is to walk everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Today, on Thursday June 6th of 2019, I have walked 7 miles and that was just from going to get food and look around slightly. Oh, and I climbed the Duomo which is a huge historical cathedral in Florence, Italy. Going up those steps in narrow halls while sweating and out of breath, I knew that for centuries the people of Florence have been active and in shape. How else could you climb 463 steps? I know that experiencing this will help me recognize where I can improve the lives of those at home by stressing the need and benefits of physical activity.
