Like most universities, sexual violence is a major concern at Penn State. To help educate students about sexual violence, UPUA is hosting Fall Action Week. One of the goals of the week is to raise awareness about this topic. Attend an event and learn more about what you can do to promote safe and healthy sexual relationships in the Penn State Community.

Here’s a list of what’s going on:

• Discussion on Sexual Violence – Monday, November 16 at 8 pm, in 129 B&C HUB.
• Information Table – Monday, November 16, Tuesday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 18 at 11 am to 3 pm in the HUB
• “The Line” -Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 pm in the State Theatre, Downtown State College. The Line is a personal documentary exploring sexual boundaries and consent. Following the screening, there will be a discussion panel with the director, Nancy Schwartzman.

It has been known for some time that heavy alcohol consumption increases risk of cancer. However, the link between light to moderate drinking and cancer risk has been unclear. A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women who consume one to two drinks per day had an increase risk of breast cancer. To decrease your future risk of cancer, consider reducing your alcohol intake or abstaining from alcohol completely.

http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4238

Ever wonder why some people catch the cold that’s going around while others don’t? Many factors contribute to your body’s ability to fend off a cold.  Aric Prather, a psychologist at the University of California found that those who sleep less than six hours per night are four times more likely to catch a cold virus than those who sleep seven or more.

Research also suggests that factors such as chronic stress, smoking, and lack of exercise can also increase susceptibility to cold germs.

Listen to a National Public Radio story about this topic.

Read Dr. Pather’s journal article in Sleep.

Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence¹ and it is estimated that physical aggression occurs in 20–30% of college dating relationships² . Domestic Violence Awareness month aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and empower everyone to take steps to end it. Relationship violence happens to women of all ages, religions, races, sexual orientations, and socio-economic classes and is never the victim’s fault. Learn more about how to recognize abusive behaviors and support victims of relationship violence from Penn State’s Center for Women Students. You can also learn more by visiting the information table in the UHS lobby this month.

The following counseling and medical resources are available to students who experience intimate partner violence.

Emotional Support Services:

Center for Women Students (CWS)
204 Boucke Building
(814) 863-2027

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
501 Student Health Center
(814) 863-0395

Centre County Women’s Resource Center (open 24 hours)
140 W. Nittany Avenue
1-877-234-5050

Medical Resources:

University Health Services
Student Health Center
Schedule an Appointment Online
(814) 863-0774 — Schedule an Appointment by Phone
(814) 863-4463 — Advice Nurse available 24/7

Mt. Nittany Medical Center
1800 E. Park Avenue
State College, PA 16803
(814) 231-7000 — General Information
(814) 234-6110 — Emergency Medicine

To report misconduct related to relationship violence call 1-800-560-1637 or visit www.hotline.psu.edu.

¹ U.S. Department of Justice Special Report; Nonfatal Domestic Violence, 2003–2012

²K.M. Bell, A.E. Naugle; Effects of social desirability on students’ self-reporting of partner abuse perpetration and victimization. Violence and Victims, 22 (2007), pp. 243–256