Nutrition Services

#HealthyPSU, Healthy Eating, On Campus

Did you know there is a Nutrition Clinic specifically for Penn State students at the Student Health Center?  Here is what students are saying about it:

“I found that the dietitian offered information that was useful and effective for me.”

“I liked the recommendations she made to improve my health in a way that I would be able to keep up with.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. ”

Check out our inviting space and become a champion of your health!  A Registered Dietitian will meet with you to discuss your goals and personal health needs.  These needs may include, but are not limited to, digestive disorders, disordered eating, vegan or vegetarian diets, general health and wellness, weight management, nutrition and exercise, and diabetes.  Make an appointment online through myUHS or call 814-863-0461.  There is no cost for this service.

Tread Desk

#HealthyPSU, Fitness, On Campus

Have you ever tried to study or read over your notes while on the elliptical, treadmill, or stationary bike? You might want to try one of the new walking treadmill desk at the White Building Fitness Center. UPUA and Campus Recreation partnered up to bring this specialized, walking treadmill desk to Penn State. Located in the hallway to the right of the fitness center entrance, this ‘Tread Desk’ allows the user to be as productive as they would be at a regular desk, while stretching their legs and racking up steps.

Recent research has shown that sitting for too long each day is detrimental to one’s overall health[i],[ii] and has shown that Americans, on average, sit too much and exercise too little. According to Harvard Health Publications, the average person is inactive for over half their day, which can lead to lower cardiovascular health and higher rates of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cancer-related deaths in very sedentary people[iii],[iv].

Walking treadmills like the Tread Desk provide a unique solution for individuals who would like to be more active, but due to the nature of their job, school, or other obligations, do not have time. From answering emails to reading over flash cards, the Tread Desk is a great way to multitask and save time, while getting some steps. The Tread Desk is in White Building for a trial period, so try it soon!

Looking for other ways to move more, sit less, and increase your daily steps? Then check out the Walking Club! Every Monday at 4:30 pm, students meet up in the lobby of the Student Health Center  and, weather permitting, walk outside for about an hour. The route changes each week.  The participants get to decide where they want to walk. Now that the weather is getting warmer, come hang out with Healthy Penn State Ambassadors for a fun and relaxing walk.  It’s a great way to end your Monday and start your week off on the right foot!

Written by Healthy Penn State Ambassador, Michelle Mehallow

[i] American Heart Association News – Sitting Too Much Can Increase Heart Disease Risk. http://news.heart.org/sitting-too-much-may-raise-heart-disease-risk/

[ii] Mayo Clinic – What are the Risks of Sitting too Much? http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005

[iii] Biswas A, Oh PI, Faulkner GE, Bajaj RR, Silver MA, Mitchell MS, et al. Sedentary Time and Its Association With Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalization in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:123-132

[iv] Corliss, Julie. “Too Much Sitting Linked To Heart Disease, Diabetes, Premature Death – Harvard Health Blog”. Harvard Health Blog. N.p., 2017. Web. 24 Mar. 2017. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/much-sitting-linked-heart-disease-diabetes-premature-death-201501227618

 

Spring has Sprung for Fruits and Vegetables

#HealthyPSU, Healthy Eating, Recipes

With Spring here, a larger variety of fruits and vegetables are available once again.  By eating and cooking in season, you will discover produce has more flavor and can even be more budget friendly.

It is a great time to experiment with new recipes.  Fruits and vegetables make great side dishes and main dishes.

Looking for ways to get started? Try one of these ideas:

  1. Plan one new recipe a week and build from there.
  2. Host a potluck with “fruits and veggies” as the theme.
  3. Visit local farmer’s markets
  4. Check out these free cookbooks at ChooseMyPlate.gov

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Week

#HealthyPSU

March 20-24th is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Week at University Park.  This annual week is designed to raise awareness about the issue of sexual violence on campus, and is organized by UPUA in collaboration with many University partners. A variety of events are taking place throughout the week, including guest speakers Sheryl Wudunn on March 20th, and Anjelica Ross on March 22nd.

One key component of trying to reduce sexual assault involves training students to intervene in situations where someone might be at risk.  Stand for State, which is a program specific to Penn State, promotes safety year round by encouraging individuals to take action against sexual and relationship violence, bias and discrimination, mental health concerns, and risky alcohol, drug use.

Stand for State offers two training programs that delve into the specific ways to tackle concerning behavior. Check out the website for training opportunities http://standforstate.psu.edu/get-trained/

Freedom From Smoking®

#HealthyPSU

Do you have friends who smoke? If so, consider telling them about Freedom From Smoking®, a free service to help Penn State students quit smoking. The program, created by the American Lung Association, is conducted by a staff member from University Health Services.  The sessions are specifically designed to help students quit and remain smoke or tobacco free. The seven-week program helps the individual build a support system and addresses different aspects of the quitting process, such as stress management and cravings. To learn more, call Health Promotion and Wellness at 814.863.0461 or schedule an appointment at studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/myUHS.

Winter Thaw 5K

#HealthyPSU, 5k Run, Fitness, On Campus

On Saturday, February 25th, Penn State Club Cross Country hosted the third annual Winter Thaw 5k. Despite the rain and wind, a number of students and community members came out to participate in the 3.1 mile course. The race kicked-off at the Institute of Science and Technology Building, looped around the Penn State Golf Courses, and finished just outside the HUB-Robeson Center.

The top five finishers for men and women are:

Men

  1. Andrew Sell
  2. Mark Puleo
  3. Matthew Balogh
  4. Ray Friend
  5. Bryan Moon

Women

  1. Leah Narkevic
  2. Amy Mohler
  3. Marissa Fritz
  4. Rita Concannon
  5. Steph Vignette

Each finisher received a KIND bar as they crossed the finish line. The top 5 male and female place winners received gift cards to Rapid Transit Sports. A big congratulations to all the runners! Healthy Penn State would like to thank the race volunteers who helped set up, marshal, and tear down the race.

 

The Body Monologues

#HealthyPSU, Body Image, On Campus

On Wednesday evening students from HealthWorks, a peer education program in University Health Services, organized and performed The Body Monologues. The event was inspired by National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and included members of the Penn State W.O.R.D.S. (Writers Organized to Represent Diverse Stories) performance team. The performers shared their personal struggles with body image and their journeys to self-acceptance.

A HealthWorks student performs her monologue. Photo by Michelle Mehallow.

From gymnasts to runners, fashionistas to dancers, they told decidedly different stories that all centered around how they learned to accept their body in the face of ever-changing societal norms.

As part of the event, members of Orchesis Dance Company performed a piece that a story about humans battling their personal struggles. One dancer explained the piece illustrated that humans can win the battle, but that the struggles they will always be a part of the person. In the discussion portion of the event, students agreed that “Self-love is a process,” albeit a slow and ongoing one.

Maddy Galascio, a HealthWorks student and monologue performer, said she was introduced to the project last semester and it piqued her interest. At first, she didn’t think she had a strong story to tell but ended up delivering a moving performance about her struggles as a competitive gymnast. For Maddy, the best part of participating in The Body Monologues was bonding with her fellow performers. She said, “We’re really close now because we’ve been through so much together.”

The Body Monologues was a resounding success, and an example of how impactful discussions like these can be to college students. Opening up the conversation about self-acceptance, body image, and health is beneficial to not only the audience but also to the cast.

Written by Healthy Penn State Ambassador – Michelle Mehallow