Living away from home, possibly for the first time, comes with many responsibilities including making your own nutritious meals. Start each morning on the right foot by eating breakfast! If you feel like you don’t have enough time in the morning to eat breakfast, check out this peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe for a tasty, time-friendly meal. You can make this recipe on your own by adding different types of fruit or peanut butter alternatives. 

It is important to follow public health guidelines while on and off campus. To stay safe, maintain 6-feet from individuals and always wear a mask. Be vigilant about hand washing or using hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face. Stay safe while at STATE by masking, distancing, and washing.

Health Promotion and Wellness is offering in-person and virtual opportunities for you to practice wellness. Every Monday and Wednesday you can join us for virtual yoga and meditation at 5:30 pm.  The Zoom link is https://psu.zoom.us/s/93276887601. No experience required!   

You won’t want to miss Well-being Wednesday! Join us every Wednesday at 4:00 pm in 233B HUB or you can join us virtually – https://psu.zoom.us/j/97709012934. The first 10 in-person participants will receive a free copy of Calm the Mind, Change the World by Michael Acton Smith.   

And on Fridays you can join us for virtual Wellness Happy Hour at 4:00pm. Register to reserve your spot. Learn more about these events and more here.

While there is still much to learn about COVID-19, research has shown that those who vape, and smoke are at greater risk for COVID-19 complications. Researchers at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have indicated that individuals who use nicotine products are more likely to be admitted to the ICU as well as have greater risk of death due to COVID. However, research has also shown that in just as little as 3 months your lung health can improve after quitting smoking or vaping! 

Have you been concerned with your nicotine use during COVID? Health Promotion and Wellness offers Freshstart, a free 4-week smoking cessation program to help students work towards their quitting goal. For additional information or to schedule an appointment today, contact Health Promotion and Wellness at (814) 863-0461 or email promotinghealth@psu.edu 

Check out this comprehensive guide that contains content to help you make smart decisions and stay safe this semester.  The guide includes information about standard drink sizes as well as Blood Alcohol Content charts for male-bodied and female-bodied individuals.  You’ll also find information about the University’s alcohol policy, state laws and local ordinances. There’s a description of alcohol poisoning and how to help someone in an alcohol-related emergency.  Learn about Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol and the Pennsylvania Medical Amnesty Law.

As you prepare to return to campus, it is important to follow University,  community and national guidelines.  Keep yourself and others safe by following these simple steps:  

1. Wear a face covering (on your mouth and nose) in all public places 
2. Maintain 6-feet of distance between yourself and others   
3. Practice good personal hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes  
4. Wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer often  
5. Stay home is you’re sick 

How to safely wear and take off a cloth face covering. 

Image: CDC

August can be one the hottest summer months in Pennsylvania. As the temperatures creep up, follow these tips by the CDC to keep cool as you enjoy your summer break.  

1. Limit your time outside when the sun is hottest during peak afternoon hours  
2. Stay hydrated and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water 
3. Wear loose and lightweight clothing 
4. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) when you are outside  
5. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can  
6. Take showers and baths to cool down

Eat healthy during the pandemic! Check out this pita bread pizza recipe for a healthy, delicious meal. This recipe is super easy to follow and versatile.  You can add different types of veggies, protein and seasoning to personalize your healthy pizza! 

Summer is in full swing, are you still staying active? Regular physical activity is extremely important for maintaining your physical and mental health. Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week as well as muscle strengthening 2 days per week.   You can break this down into 30 minute sessions of activity 5 days a week.  Research indicates that there are health benefits from being active for just 10 minutes at a time.  Taking a walk counts toward your minutes! 

 For suggestions on how to stay active during the summer, check out the Campus Rec Fitness and Wellness YouTube channel playlist for at-home workout videos.  You’ll find tips on how to get up and moving!   You can also attend our remote yoga class and get 30 minutes of activity every Wednesday.  Here is the link https://psu.zoom.us/s/95209330866 

Image from CDC