Aug/Sept 2013 - Stay Healthy
Stay Healthy SDSU
San Diego State University has numerous services and programs available to keep you healthy! Student Health Services, or SHS, provides a number of services to the college community, many at low- or no-cost to the patient. SHS is staffed by fully licensed and certified health professionals who provide services including outpatient treatment of common medical problems, preventive care, health counseling, immunizations and psychiatric treatment. Specialty care including dentistry, optometry and orthopedics are also available through SHS for additional fees.
Here are some quick tips to help you stay healthy as the new semester begins!
Stay hydrated. Bring an empty water bottle to campus and fill it up at East or West Commons
Take care of your teeth. Student Health Services offers state of the art dental services on campus. You can see the dentist in between classes
Always wash your hands. A person accumulates germs on their hands throughout the day through common activities such as using hand railings, opening doors or touching desks and chairs used by others. You can limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes by washing your hands frequently.
You should sign up for Health eConnection, so you can manage your health care online. Health eConnection allows you to communicate with Student Health Services staff about non-urgent medical issues, prescription renewals, appointment requests and test results. Sign up for Health eConnection today!
Head to the gym. Did you know that the ARC offers one-week FREE trials? Sign up today and start sweating!
Eat your fruits and vegetables. Call Health Promotion at (619) 594- 4133 ext. 47375 to find out more information about the Nutrition Basics workshops that are FREE to all students.
Avoid sharing beverages. Germs are easily spread through the sharing of drinks. Try to drink out of only your beverage and avoid sharing with friends.
Limit alcohol consumption. If you are of legal drinking age, drink in moderation and reduce the risks to your health. For more information about your drinking patterns and the effects alcohol may have on you, visit eCHECKUP TO GO.
Take the stairs. Every little bit of physical activity makes a difference to your overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, participating in exercise, even in small quantities, can help you control your body weight and even put you at a lower risk of contracting heart disease and some types of cancer!
Have your eyes examined. Squinting to see the screen or board in class isn’t fun. The Optometry Department at Student Health Services offers basic eye examinations, contact lens fittings, and name-brand frames.
You being happy with yourself and your relationships with others is important. Counseling & Psychological Services offers counseling to students to give them tools to resolve emotional barriers that may be impairing their success and happiness.
Sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your health and your performance in school. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens and adults sleep between seven and nine-and-a-half hours a night!
Drive less. San Diego has beautiful weather, so get outside and enjoy it! Choose to walk or bike instead of driving to your destinations whenever possible. Again, increasing physical activity is a healthy habit to make.
Stress less. Counseling & Psychological Services offers free workshops to help students understand the causes, consequences, and management of stress.
Use protection. If you don’t have access to condoms and you need them, apply for Family PACT at the Health Promotion Department on the third floor of the Calpulli building. If you qualify, you may receive condoms, STD testing and treatment, annual exams, birth control and pregnancy testing at no cost to you. For more information on Family PACT visit www.familypact.org