Life-changing experiences - Students cut coffee, add exercise

With little more than a week to go in a four-week lifestyle enhancement class at Southeast Missouri State University, students say it's making a difference. They say they're watching less television, exercising more and eating more nutritious meals.

They credit their changing habits to the energetic teachings of health and leisure professor Ed Leoni, a 51-year-old Jackson cancer survivor who has embraced a soft-drink-and-alcohol-free life, enthusiastic workouts and a solid commitment to recycling.

He encourages his students to follow suit. He also preaches the value of saving money and avoiding huge credit card debt.

Students say the class is hard work. There's an assignment every day and frequent quizzes. Students must keep journals or "life books" as Leoni calls them, documenting the changes they've made in their everyday living.

Leoni requires his students to change their behaviors in five areas: Spiritual, physical, emotional, vocational and social.

"It is intense," Leoni said.

Students began the class last month by visiting a cemetery and writing papers reflecting on their past accomplishments and future goals.

Today, they'll hear from Elaine Walden of Cape Girardeau, whose daughter is buried in a grave at Memorial Park Cemetery. One of Leoni's students sat on a bench by her grave as he contemplated the class assignment.

A newspaper photograph of that student caught Walden's attention, and she contacted Leoni, who invited her to address the class.

Walden has a message for the students. "I hope they would appreciate life and appreciate those around them," she said.

"It's really been hard for me to accept my daughter's death," said Walden, whose daughter, Traci, was killed in a traffic accident in Panama City, Fla., on July 19, 1997, at the age of 25. At the time of her death, Traci Walden was preparing to get married.

"My daughter left behind a lot of good memories," she said.

For Leoni's students, the focus is on improving their lives.

Here's a look at five students and how they've changed. In a month, the Southeast Missourian will see if they've stuck to their lifestyle goals.

James Dashner

Age: 22

Residence: From House Springs, Mo.; lives in Cape Girardeau

What's Changed: He's quit drinking and smokes less, down to half a pack a day.

Dashner, a part-time bartender whose father battled alcohol abuse, won't say he'll never have another drink. But he's through being a perpetual drinker. "I feel great," said Dashner, who admits he doesn't miss the hangovers. "I'm not tired all the time." Jodie Brunke

Age: 21

Residence: From Jackson, lives in Cape Girardeau

What's changed: Takes shorter showers and turns off the water while she brushes her teeth, two practices preached by Leoni as good for the environment. She says she eats better too. "I am eating more fruit." Brunke recently returned to the rural Baptist church in Oriole, Mo., that her family attended. As a college student, she had gotten out of the habit of going to church, she said.Quentilla Kimbel

Age: 26

Residence: Jackson

What's changed: Quit watching television for eight days. She's gone back to watching television, but less of it. "I like to be outside more than I used to," said Kimbel, who has found time to exercise. She's cut back on coffee. "I notice my heart doesn't race, and I like that."Brianna Ream

Age: 22

Residence: From Jackson, lives in Cape Girardeau

What's changed: Exercises six days a week. "It's made me feel better." She also gave up television and chocolate. "It's hard for me," she said of her now candy-free life.Heather Nicols

Age: 20

Residence: From Austin, Texas, lives in Cape Girardeau

What's changed: Does deep breathing exercises -- learned in class -- to relieve her everyday stress. Cut back her television viewing to an hour a day and has found time for physical exercise. "I'm going to be disappointed when the class ends," she said.