Spring 2012
Wellness on Campus
"Be Well" Everyday
Stop by the health and wellness center for all of your health & wellness questions
Health and Wellness Center Outreach Happenings
Located: Cafeteria Patio
Time: 11:00 - 1:00
Dates: TBD
Health Literature, Ask your Health & Wellness Questions, Healthy Snacks, Meet the Health & Wellness Center Staff , Learn how to "Be Well"
January 2012 ~ Welcome Back Hawks!
"Massage Therapy" Back by Popular Demand
The Las Positas College Health & Wellness Center is dedicated to maintaining a healthy student body which includes preventative measures. Stress affects the body in different ways: Headaches, fatigue, tension, high blood pressure, etc. Research has proven that massage is an excellent preventative health measure. Massage can be beneficial to the improvement of many conditions and promotes aspects of a person's emotional, mental, and physicial healing.
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February 2012 ~ GYT Get Yourself Tested
The only way to know if you or anyone else has an STD is to get tested. STDs are very common, and it only takes one sexual experience to get one. Even more to the point: STDs, including HIV, often have NO symptoms. Zero. That’s right. So, many people who are infected don’t even know it! Want to know for sure? Then Get Yourself—and Your Partner—Tested (GYT). Knowledge is power! Know yourself. Know your status. GYT at the Student Health & Wellness Center
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March 2012 ~ Suicide Prevention
Today, mental health problems are a leading impediment to academic success among college students. Many students suffer in silence, never getting the help they need. For most, this means missing out on academic and social opportunities. Others may be unable to fulfill their promise and dreams. For some, the suffering can have tragic consequences.
The frightening reality demonstrated by recent research is that half of all college students have had suicidal thoughts. Tragically, suicide remains the second leading cause of death among college students.
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April 2012 ~ Road Trip to a Safe Spring Break ~ Alcohol and Judgement
Do us all a favor (including yourself) and party smart. Be responsible. Pace yourself if you choose to drink, and avoid hard alcohol or other drinks that are powerful and have fast effects. (And remember that drunks = easy targets) Also be aware of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. Drinking & driving is always a dangerous situation, so avoid this by having your safe mode of transportation home planned before you go out
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May 2012 ~ Tanning Dangers ~ Sun Smart ADA
According to the American Dermatology Association (ADA), sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma.You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer.
ADA SunSmart Tips:
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.
- Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.3
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product or spray, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
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College Health News
College is full of excitement; Including meeting new people, learning new things, possibly living away from home, and making your own decisions. But college can also be stressful as you develop new routines, live on a limited budget, and face new opportunities. It can be challenging to juggle responsibilities like attending class, studying long hours, having a social life, working, and staying safe and healthy. The college years are a time of change that brings new challenges, risks, and responsibilities. Check out our links page and the CDC link for tips on how to have a healthy college life!
*Health Alert* Whooping Cough
Pertussis Immunizations available at the Health and Wellness Center
Cost: $45- Make your appointment Today
Alameda County Link for Current Information:
Pertussis
Stay informed. The CDC website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
- Influenza & Pertussis is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
TAKE EVERYDAY ACTIONS TO STAY HEALTHY
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
- Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
