In a time when fast food is the meal of choice and exercise takes a back seat to video games, the YouZeum seeks to make a difference. By educating the young and old alike about the importance of health and wellness, this one-of-a-kind health science center is determined to change the lives of its visitors.

Located in Columbia, Missouri, the YouZeum is the state’s only health science center. Upon opening in May 2008, the YouZeum began its journey to change the lives of visitors for the better, making them more aware of the importance of nutrition, exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle.

Katie Harris, handling YouZeum publicity, explained that the YouZeum has an important purpose.

“The idea is that visitors will gain an understanding of health and physical activity, giving them the tools to change their own lives and those around them,” Harris said.

The Boone County Medical Alliance began discussing plans for the YouZeum in the early 1990s. The white-pillared building, formerly a post office, is now filled with fun and interactive exhibits.

Since nobody enjoys being lectured about nutrition or exercise, the YouZeum takes a novel approach to health education. By providing interactive exhibits that are both engaging and informational, the YouZeum offers its visitors entertainment and useful advice at the same time.

Upon entering the building, visitors instantly are engaged as they gaze upon “Phun Physiology,” the 16-foot-tall sculpture that stands in the YouZeum lobby. The sculpture uses balls, chimes and ramps to simulate food and blood working their way through the body. It allows visitors to see an abstract version of the body’s inner workings while they are waiting to view the rest of the YouZeum. While some visitors spend an ample amount of time engaged with this sculpture, it is just a preview of what this health science museum has to offer.

Visitors to the YouZeum begin their journey by leaving the lobby and donning a pair of 3-D glasses to watch the video “All Systems Go,” which takes viewers through the daily functions of the human body. As the lights dim, viewers watch as a teenage boy goes through his daily routine. They are able to see that even the simplest activities are complex. The video prepares visitors for the experience that lies ahead as they move through the YouZeum.

One of the first exhibits a visitor encounters after leaving the theater is Snackster, a virtual vending machine with a variety of food choices ranging from a can of soda to skim milk. Once visitors make a snack choice, the machine will give a description of the chosen snack. Those who try picking a bag of potato chips over a piece of fruit are sure to feel guilty after a lesson from Snackster.
Snackster is not the only one-of-a-kind exhibit that can be seen in the YouZeum.

“All of the exhibits are unique to and specifically designed for the YouZeum — you won’t find them anywhere else,” Harris said.

The YouZeum also is unique because a lot of the décor and components of the exhibits were made locally. Columbia artists created much of the artwork, and the 3-D video was even a local project.

While making the journey through the YouZeum, visitors can choose a healthy meal off the menu at the All Foods Diner, be an anchor on YouNews and interview professionals about health related issues and even explore the inside of a real ambulance in the ER. These are only a few of the engaging activities that the YouZeum has to offer.

The YouZeum exhibits are not only interactive in the sense that they allow visitors to push buttons or play a video game. Some of the exhibits even allow the visitors to feel as though they are in the action. For example, in the Cycle Challenge, visitors ride stationary bikes that allow them to take a virtual ride through Columbia’s scenic Hinkson Trail. Along the way, the riders must be sure to stay on the trail and out of the way of trees, all while virtual crowds cheer them on to the finish line.

With more than 25 exhibits that highlight a number of health and wellness issues including nutrition, exercise, mental health and more, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of things to do before exiting the YouZeum.

YouZeum Assistant Rachel Tiemann said the YouZeum is a great place to pay a visit to no matter how much time you have to spend inside.

“You can spend as much or as little time as you want in the exhibits,” Tiemann said.

The diverse activities offered by the YouZeum allow it to cater to visitors of all ages.

“You can see a little kid and his parent enjoying the same activity,” Tiemann said. “It’s really cute.”

YouZeum Assistant Katie Burkle said a visit to the YouZeum truly is life changing.

“The topics are very valuable,” Burkle said. “It’s even affected my lifestyle.”

The exhibits and life lessons offered by the YouZeum strive to leave an impression on those who visit. Upon exiting the YouZeum, it’s hard to open a bag of potato chips and not think about what Snackster would say.

Photos by Rebecca Moser and David Mohl

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