As the weather turns warm, remember to take care of your skin. Sunscreen is important to protect yourself from UV rays. Here are a few tips to stay healthy.
Pick up your own packet of sunscreen in the Wellness Suite, 20 IM Building. We’re open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. 
By Grace Rhead| HealthWorks Peer Educator
Communication involves setting time aside to talk with your partner without distractions. Healthy communication styles take time, practice, and involve making your messages clear. It is important to note that communication won’t be perfect all the time, so be sure to address what is happening and how it affects you. Feel free to talk about what you want, need, and feel. Click here for some more healthy communication style tips! You can sign up to speak with a peer educator about healthy relationships by visiting the Health Promotion and Wellness website.
By Emily Holdsman| HealthWorks Peer Educator
Healthy eating and nutrition are important in maintaining overall health. Penn State has many resources to support students with healthy eating and nutrition. Resources include recipes, HealthWorks cooking videos, Mission Nutrition workshop, free peer-to-peer wellness services, Nutrition Clinic and the Lion’s Pantry. If you have questions about nutrition or food resources, reach out to Health Promotion and Wellness at 814-863-0461 or visit our website.
By Keaira McKeithan| HealthWorks Peer Educator
How much time does social media take out of your day? Studies indicate that 84% of those between 18-29 years report using some type of social media (including Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, etc.). Research highlights serious concerns about the contribution of social media to higher rates of depression and anxiety and lower rates of self-esteem among young adults and adolescents (1).
The good news is there are several strategies and resources you can use to be mindful when supporting your digital wellness. Research supports the idea that nature provides a calmness that can increase well-being and decrease anxiety.
Tip: Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors every day without using your phone.
Learn more strategies by visiting the Digital Wellness webpage.
Sources:
Delta-8 THC products are not approved or regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant and concentrated amounts of Delta-8 THC are used in products such as edibles, gummies, oils and vapes.
The manufacturing process often includes the use of other chemicals to achieve high cannabinoid levels. The use of these chemicals and the manufacturing by-produces can be harmful to one’s health.
Adverse health effects may include vomiting, hallucinations, lack of coordination, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a national health alter due to growing concerns.
TIP: Be aware that products labeled as hemp or CBD are unregulated, may contain delta-8 THC and may have adverse health effects. Be aware that delta-8 THC may be added to cannabis products which may heighten the psychoactive properties.
Help is available
Sources:
Babalonis, S., Raup-Konsavage, W., Akpunonu, P., Balla, A., & Vrana, K. (2021). Delta-8 THC: Legal status, widespread availability, and safety concerns. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 6(5):362-365.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Increases in availability of cannabis products containing Delta-8 THC and reported cases of adverse events. September 14, 2021.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5 things to know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC. September 14, 2021.
Washington Healthy Youth Coalition. (May, 20121). Delta-8 and other THC isomers: An emerging safety concern.
Using cannabis can worsen your mental health*.
Three recent reviews of research studies indicate there is a lack of conclusive evidence that cannabinoids improve depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.
Research shows little evidence that the cannabis plant is effective in treating depressive disorders and symptoms. In fact, the scientific literature suggests that ingested cannabis likely leads to the development and worsening of depressive symptoms.
Several studies indicate that cannabis use can worsen bipolar disorder by causing more manic episodes and increasing the severity of the episodes.
The research shows that when people use cannabis to escape from uncomfortable emotions, they can experience difficulties with mental health, including increased anxiety, psychotic symptoms as well as legal problems, low motivation, and memory issues.
Using cannabis to cope with emotions can also lead to addiction for some individuals.
* Applies to all forms of cannabis including medical marijuana.
TIP: If you are struggling with depression or anxiety talk with a professional counselor or therapist. For immediate support call Penn State’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400.
Help is available
Sources:
Black, N. et.al. (2019). Cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and symptoms of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 6(12): 995-1010
Borodovsky, J. & Budney, A. (2018). Cannabis regulatory science: risk-benefit considerations for mental disorders. International Review of Psychiatry. 30(3): 1-20
Botsford, S. Yang, S., George, T. (2020). Cannabis and cannabinoids in mood and anxiety disorders: Impact on illness onset and course, and assessment of therapeutic potential. The American Journal on Addictions. 29(1): 9-26.
Bresin, K., & Mekawi, Y. (2019). Do marijuana motives matter? Meta-analytic associations with marijuana use frequency and problems. Addictive Behaviors. 99.
Osser, D. (2020). Cannabis: Patients with bipolar should avoid use. Psychiatric Times. (37)4: 25.
Stea, J. Is Cannabis good or bad for mental health? Scientific American, January 27, 2019
By Swathi| HealthWorks Peer Educator
Check out the Mindful Making Self-Care Toolkit for a variety of simple activities designed to help you reduce stress and take better care of yourself. In the toolkit you will find coloring pages, a map of the art galleries located on campus, guided meditations, as well as other activities specifically created to help you to slow down and enjoy your daily life. Stop by the Wellness Suite (20 IM building) this Thursday at 5:15pm for a Mindful Making activity.
THC is the most prevalent illicit drug found in drivers who have been involved in car crashes, including fatal crashes.
The effects of cannabis use include a lack of attention, slower reaction time, difficulty making decisions, impaired coordination.
Data show that the risk of being in a motor vehicle accident doubles after smoking cannabis.
It could take 3 to 4 hours for it to be safe to drive if you have inhaled marijuana. The margin is longer if you have consumed edibles based on the amount ingested and the THC level.
TIP: Plan ahead to avoid the need to drive. If you need to go somewhere call a taxi or have a sober friend do the driving.
Help is available
Sources:
Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Learn about marijuana. 2020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, What you need to know about marijuana use and driving. April 13, 2017.
Lacey, J, Kelley-Baker, T., Berning, A., Romano, E., Rameriez, A., Yao, J….& Compton, R. (2016). Drug and alcohol crash risk study: A case-control study (Report No. DOT HS 812 255). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hartman & Huestis (2013). Cannabis effects on driving skills, Clin Chem 2013. Mar: 59(3): 478-92.
By Julia Rothweiler| HealthWorks Peer Educator
Health Promotion and Wellness have strategies to help you stress less. Managing stress is something everyone struggles with from time to time, but it is extremely important in maintaining well-being. Some stress management techniques include:
You can learn more techniques and start practicing them by taking the Stress Management 101 module in Canvas. For more information about stress management, visit our website.
| Increased effects when mixed with alcohol | |
| Cannabis | Impaired coordination, impaired judgement, reduced reaction time, confusion, difficulty concentrating, |
| Xanax and other anxiety medications | Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk for overdose, slowed or difficulty breathing, impaired coordination, unusual behavior, memory problems |
| Adderall and other ADHD medications | Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, possible risk of heart problems, liver damage |
| Depression medications | Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk for overdose, increased feelings of depression or hopelessness, impaired coordination, liver damage |
| Over the counter pain relievers | Upset stomach, stomach and intestinal bleeding, ulcers, liver damage, rapid heartbeat |
TIP: Plan ahead to stay in control. Practice your drink refusal skills before going out. Only drink from containers that you open or drinks that you pour.
Help is available
Sources:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Harmful interactions: Mixing alcohol with medications, November 2020.
Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Learn about marijuana. 2020
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rethinking drinking.