University Health Services seeks applicants for HealthWorks peer health educators

#HealthyPSU

Penn State students who are interested in promoting health among their peers can apply to participate in HealthWorks, a student peer education and outreach program within University Health Services (UHS). Students can apply starting January 30, 2017.  Membership applications will be accepted through March 3 for the 2017 – 2018 academic year.

This year, students have two different opportunities for promoting health among their peers:  1. One-on-one wellness services for students; and 2. Outreach and promotion through workshops and initiatives.

Current HealthWorks member, Kyle Houser (Biology ’17) encourages students to apply. “HealthWorks is a great opportunity for any Penn State student passionate about health and wellness. The major goal is to help make University Park a healthier place, but HealthWorks also encourages the development of leadership and communication skills and introduces you to people who will become some of your best friends. If you’re looking to get involved in an organization that is both personally and professionally rewarding, this is it!”

HealthWorks is a three semester commitment (one semester of training and two semesters of service). Training includes a 3-credit class through the Department of Biobehavioral Health (BB H) during the fall semester. Course topics include health promotion theories and strategies, and health issues including alcohol and other drugs, financial literacy, sexual health, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress. During spring semester, weekly meetings will be held and peer educators will participate in delivering wellness services or programming and outreach activities.

The one-on-one peer educators will meet individually with students to provide free wellness services.  The topics include stress and time management, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, sexual health and healthy relationships and financial literacy.

The outreach and promotion peer educators will conduct health education workshops, provide HIV test counseling, and conduct health promotion campaigns to raise awareness about topics like stress reduction, sustainability, and body image. Ongoing projects include healthy cooking videos, The Body Monologues, Healthy Penn State blog posts, social media, the Fitness Challenge and Safer Spring Break initiative.

Students can learn about and apply for HealthWorks by visiting http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/wellness/healthWorks.shtml.

Eating Disorder Resources

#HealthyPSU, Body Image, On Campus

“Eating disorders — such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating – include extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. They are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males. In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life” (NEDA, 2016)

Are you interested in learning more about eating disorders? Visit the websites below. You’ll also learn about how you can foster a body positive environment.

  • nationaleatingdisorders.org
  • eatright.org
  • feast-ed.org
  • eatingdisorderhope.com
  • womenshealth.gov/body–image

Are you or someone you know struggling? A team at Penn State’s University Health Services (UHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can help. The staff are dedicated to working with and helping students who are battling eating disorders. Use the contact information below to call for an appointment.

Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS)
University Health Services (UHS) Medical Appointments 863-0774
UHS Nutrition Clinic 863-0461
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 863-0395

Added Sugars

#HealthyPSU, Healthy Eating

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines included for the first time a recommendation for added sugar.  Added sugar specifically refers to sugars and syrups added to foods during processing*.  The Guidelines recommend that no more than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugar.  This translates to 12 teaspoons of sugar or 50 grams daily.  Keep in mind, a 12 ounce can of regular soda contains 40 grams of added sugar.

So, what does this mean for your diet?

  • Choose water, milk or calorie-free beverages instead of sugary sodas, sport drinks and blended coffees.
  • Select breakfast cereal carefully. Even ones that say “healthy” can contain added sugar.
  • Read food labels. Added sugar goes by lots of different names with the most common being: cane juice and syrup, corn sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate and nectars, honey, malt syrup, molasses, brown sugar and agave.
  • Keep your diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy. They contain natural sugars, not added sugar.

By 2018, all food manufacturers are required to use new food labels (see picture below) which include a line for added sugars.

Current Label                   New Label

*Source: Mayo Clinic

Stay Active this Winter

#HealthyPSU, Fitness, On Campus

Are you ready to make some changes to your current exercise program? Does winter make it tough to get motivated for exercise?  Here are some tips to help make those changes and focus on a healthier you:

  1. Try a new workout class – Penn State Fitness has plenty to choose from!
  2. Meet with a personal trainer and develop a new exercise routine
  3. Go to the gym or an exercise class with a friend
  4. Schedule exercise like you schedule classes and meetings and make it non-negotiable
  5. Choose an activity you enjoy doing – basketball, yoga, skiing, etc.
  6. Look for clubs on campus that support indoor exercise and fitness – Indoor Activities
  7. Join the free walking group – Mondays 3:45-4:45 at Rec Hall track

Winter Thaw Run

#HealthyPSU, On Campus,

Calling all runners, joggers, and walkers.   Are you interested in completing a 5k?  

Join us February 25th for a fun Penn State community event, the Winter Thaw Run. The event starts at 10:30 am at the IST Bridge.  The registration fee is only $10. The top five male and female finishers will receive prizes.  Each participant will receive an awesome Healthy Penn State bag with all kinds of goodies.  There will be a pre-registration table in the HUB from 11 am to 2 pm on February 20-24th.  Look for the Winter Thaw Run banner. Same-day registration will be also be available at 9:30 am on 2/25.

Winter Thaw Run Registration Form

The event is sponsored by Club Cross Country.

 

The Student Farm at Penn State

#HealthyPSU, Healthy Eating,

A grant from the Sustainability Institute in 2013 prompted the planning process for a student-run farm. Today, the Student Farm celebrates 1 year! The Student Farm focuses on sustainable food and is in their second growing season. In the beginning phases of development, community stakeholders envisioned the farm as a gathering place where students and community members meet to learn and work in partnership to resolve real-world challenges. The mission of the student-centered sustainable farm and sustainable food and systems program is to increase local food access, enhance food systems education and cultivate a sense community. The Student Farm has definitely accomplished this mission!

The 2016 Sustainable Food Systems Program touts the following metics:  300+ hours of community engagement, 500 students have helped on the farm, 450 cardboard boxes have been replaced by reusable bins, over 900 tomato plants have been planted. Student Farm interns play an integral role.  In fact, Housing and Food Services contributed $32,000 to provide stipens for five student interns to manage the farm. Get ready for the Student Farm Club plant sale to be held in April (Date TBD), held across from the Creamery on Curtin Road.