The 2011-12 academic year is here, and the Student Health Center staff is ready to help you with your health care needs. We encourage all students to come to the health center to become familiar with the location and the services we offer.

College is full of exciting new experiences, from meeting new people, living away from home for the first time, and for being responsible for your own decisions, actions and care. Being responsible for your own health care may be one of those totally new experiences for many of you.

You must now make decisions to protect your health and decide what you should do if you become ill.

Following are some tips to keep you healthy while away at school:

• Be familiar with the services offered at the health center. If you’re ill, call the Health Center in the morning, as soon as possible, to schedule an appointment to be be evaluated by one of the providers [389-4451]. If you only have a medical question, call one of the Triage nurses at the following extensions: 389-2722, 3800, or 5055.
• Plan on receiving a flu shot this year! The Health Center offers a flu clinic for students each fall.
• Get enough rest. Lack of sleep is associated with a number of chronic conditions. Students who work and/or study for long hours may experience episodes of sleep deprivation manifesting itself by: daytime sleepiness and sluggishness, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, poor school performance, depressed moods, problems with relationships and the tendency toward “catching” many of the various viral illnesses which are common to group living.

1. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, colas — the caffeine in these substances often take eight hours to wear off fully.
2. Have a good sleeping environment — get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as noises, bright lights and bed partners!!
3. Develop and stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day — and even on weekends.
4. If you have trouble sleeping, see one of the health center providers.
5. Don’t pull all-nighters!

• Get physically activity. Be active for at least 2 ½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. Find something you enjoy, such as jogging, running, dancing, and/or sports. Visit the campus Rec Center!
• Eat a balanced diet. Campus food service may not be exactly like Mom or Grandma’s home cooking, but the food is good and nutritious choices are available to you. Fruits and veggies are a natural source of energy and are one of the best “ eat on the go” foods. Be sure to eat regular healthy meals to help you maintain your energy level. If you have concerns about weight gain or loss of appetite, make an appointment to speak with one of the Health Center providers.
• Take care of you mental health. Everybody has the blues, feels anxious. Loses interest in things or gets stressed sometimes, but when it continues for a long time or interferes with daily activities, it may be more serious. If you have a concern, come to the Health Center or contact one of the counselors in the Counseling Center [389-4255].
• AVOID SUBSTANCE ABUSE! Some college students experience significant pressure to use alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, especially when trying to make friends and become part of a group. Most students are aware of the problems associated with or caused by these substances. If you have concerns about how to avoid these substances or how to discontinue use of these substances, contact the Health Center, the Counseling Center and/or the DAWN office for help.
• Healthy relationships increase our self-esteem, improve mental and emotional health, and help us have fuller lives. You should feel loved, respected and free to be yourself. Friends are an important source of support and advice. They play a powerful role in shaping attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Feeling scared, humiliated, pressured, or controlled are all signs of an unhealthy relationship. Sexual violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people every year. Men and women can be victims of sexual violence. If you have any concerns, questions or fears, contact any number of people on campus to help you: the Residence Life staff, the Counseling Center, the Health Center, Campus Police, Social Equity, Accommodative Services, Student Life leaders, Campus Ministry….or anyone! The important thing is to get help!
• Last but not least…Wash those hands frequently!! This is the number one measure to decrease the number of germs that come into contact with your mouth…and subsequently your body. If you can’t wash those hands, use an antibacterial cleanser to keep your hands clean.

These are a few tips to keep in mind in order to remain healthy. You will still get colds and various viral bugs…they’re unavoidable when spending so much time in large groups of people. But, if your body is healthy and strong, you’ll be able to fight off the “bugs” without developing serious secondary problems or infections.

From the entire health center staff, best wishes for a healthy and academically successful semester!!