Flu season is here and the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. UHS is offering several upcoming flu clinics. The cost of the vaccine is $25 and can be billed to your insurance. To make an appointment, visit http://www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/.
Are PSU students catching enough Zzzs? Eating their fruits and veggies? Getting enough exercise?
If you’re curious about the answers to those questions and more, look no further than the Spring 2014 Penn State Student Health Assessment Report. This report provides a snapshot of PSU students’ health habits, behaviors, and perceptions based on data collected as part of a national survey organized by the American College Health Association.
The report highlights results of this survey for Penn State. In March 2014, a random sample of 10,500 University Park undergraduate students was contacted by email and invited to complete the online survey. A total of 1,624 students completed surveys, with an overall response rate of 15.5%. When compared to the overall University Park student population, females, White students, and Asian students were over-represented among the survey respondents. As a result, caution should be taken when interpreting these data as they may not accurately reflect the health and health behaviors of the University Park student population as a whole.
As finals approach, it isn’t uncommon to see frazzled-looking students camping out at the library, spending hours at the computer lab, or waiting in long lines for coffee. But what about prescription stimulant abuse? How often do students take these drugs without a prescription, and what should you know about these medications?
Prescription stimulant medications like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Concerta are drugs used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When used under medical supervision, these medications can benefit people diagnosed with ADHD. Prescription stimulant misuse and abuse occur when people use the medications incorrectly or without a prescription. According to the American College Health Association’s Spring 2014 National College Health Assessment, approximately 8.3% of college students reported using Rx stimulants that weren’t prescribed to them within the last 12 months. That means that the majority of college students don’t use prescription stimulants that aren’t prescribed to them, and for good reason:
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One in 5 women and one in 16 men has been sexually assaulted while in college,1 and an estimated 90% of sexual assaults among college students are never reported.2
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) aims to address these serious issues. A national health observance that takes place annually in April, SAAM has served as a rallying call to people and organizations across the US to prevent sexual violence since 2001.
This year’s SAAM theme, “Safer Campuses, Brighter Futures: It’s time to act! Prevent sexual violence.” puts the spotlight on college and universities and encourages college students, faculty, staff, and administrators to become educated about sexual violence and take action to prevent it.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
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Not sure if you should get yourself tested (GYT) for STDs? Here are just a few reasons why it’s a good idea:
Are you convinced yet? Here’s where to get tested on campus:
University Health Services, Student Health Center, 814-863-0774
Health Promotion and Wellness, 201 Student Health Center, 814-863-0461
Getting regular physical activity can lead to better grades, improved physical and mental health, more restful sleep, and now, a chance to win some seriously great prizes.
HealthWorks, a peer education team in University Health Services, is proud to present the 2015 Penn State Fitness Challenge. Whether you’re a regular at the gym or just starting out, any student with a valid PSU fitness membership can participate. The steps are simple:
Every student who completes the challenge will receive a Healthy Penn State pack and will be entered to win prizes, including:
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. The Challenge is co-sponsored by University Health Services and Campus Recreation.
If you average about 7-9 hours of sleep per night, your sleep habits are probably already in good shape. However, new research says that you might still benefit from fine tuning your sleep schedule.
A study conducted by Penn State researchers and presented at the American Heart Association EPI/Lifestyle 2015 meeting suggests that the consistency of your sleep schedule, in addition to the average number of hours you sleep per night, may influence eating habits.
The study, which examined teenagers’ sleep and dietary habits, found that participants averaged 7 hours of sleep a night. However, teens with irregular sleeping patterns (for example, getting too little sleep one night and sleeping in the next night), ate more calories and were more likely to snack than teens with regular sleeping patterns.
In fact, participants consumed 210 additional calories (think a small slice of pizza or a candy bar) for every hour of difference in sleep night-to-night. Over time these differences could add up—check out the example sleep schedules below to see how.
Although more research on this topic is sure to come, getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night and keeping a consistent sleep-wake schedule seem like good steps toward better habits and health.
All of the spice and flavor you look for when thinking Mexican for dinner, but completely vegetarian! Simple, fresh and packed with veggies and protein!
Ingredients:
Utensils:
Directions:
Recipe adapted from http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069671/tex-mex-chili-stuffed-peppers-recipe
Ingredients:
Directions:
Recipe adapted from http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/cauliflower_chickpea_curry/
Lance Armstrong. Marion Jones. A-Rod. Almost everyone has seen headlines exposing famous athletes caught in illegal steroid abuse scandals. While less commonly discussed, steroid abuse is also a concern for the “regular Joes” of the population.
Steroids (full name anabolic androgenic steroids) are substances that mimic testosterone. They are used medically for their ability to stimulate the development of muscle tissue and male sexual characteristics.1 Some individuals abuse these substances, using them not for medical purposes, but to quickly increase muscle mass. Luckily, steroid abuse appears to be relatively uncommon—research estimates that 3-4% of men abuse steroids at some point in their lives. However, the prevalence of steroid abuse is estimated to be higher among regular gym-goers.2
Individuals who use steroids without a prescription and those considering it should be aware of the negative consequences of steroid abuse. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies steroids as a Schedule III controlled substance; the penalty for possessing steroids without a prescription is a minimum $1,000 fine and maximum of one year in prison for first drug offenses. Additionally, steroid abuse has been linked to many negative health consequences. Short term effects can include acne, baldness, breast development in males, and shrinking of the testicles. Long term effects can include infertility, heart problems, and liver cancer.1
Gains in fitness don’t happen overnight— getting in shape requires patience and dedication. If good old fashioned hard work and sweat alone aren’t cutting it, here are three resources that Penn State University Park offers to help students get fit naturally:
1. Fitness Center Orientations- Learn what the Rec Hall, Intramural, and White Building Fitness Centers have to offer with a free Fitness Center Orientation! Whether you just need a lay-of-the-land or want to learn how to use equipment, fitness center members can sign up for one free session per facility. See a fitness training or desk attendant for details.
2. Personal Training- Stay motivated and reach your fitness goals with a personalized exercise program designed by Campus Recreation’s qualified Personal Trainers. Single sessions, as well as 5 and 10-session packages are available. An initial fitness assessment is included in 5 and 10-session packages. Each session is 60 minutes one-on-one with your personal trainer. You must have a fitness center membership or purchase a day pass in order to use training sessions. Sign up at the Rec Hall, White Building, or IM Fitness Centers. Contact Erin Raupers at eeg5005@psu.edu with questions.
3. Nutrition Counseling- Healthy eating and exercise go hand-in-hand, and individual nutrition counseling at UHS can help. You’ll meet one-on-one with a registered dietitian who will tailor your diet to meet your personal health needs. Make an appointment on the UHS website or by calling 814-863-0461. Costs vary by insurances.
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