College Life a Big Health Risk

With such a large concentration of people at the University of Hawaii, there is a higher risk of getting sick.  But despite all of the possible things we can catch, one the biggest health concerns is the issue of self maintenance.  “Everyone is just go, go, go, and it really compromises your health” says Claire Saenz, the peer outreach coordinator of the health education program at Manoa. 

The Problem

Saenz continued that many college students try to balance stress, sleep, diet, and exercise, but in the end their over all health suffers, making students even more prone to colds and other sicknesses.  It can get even worse after students get sick, as stress can build from missing class.
           
The health education program is a part of student health services, and is at the center for student services in room 313D.  Its purpose is to provide various educational services to students, as well as counsel and direct students where to go to get the best help.  “People don’t know about us and that we are a part of student health services because we are all the way out here,” explains Saenz.

More than General Health

Aside from general well being, other important health issues for college students are substance abuse, body image issues, and sexual health.  When it comes to these issues, the best way to stay healthy is to learn as much as you can.  Claire recommends students use the internet to learn about self care, but be careful because there is so much information, and some of it may not be accurate, and of course if you have any questions, the health education center would be glad to help you.

          
Get Healthy with Health Education

The health education program is also responsible for the various health fairs and awareness campaigns you see on campus.  Upon request from the instructor, the program does in-class presentations about the various ways students can take care of themselves.  They give presentations in the dorms too, and also train the resident advisers on how to deal with alcohol in the residence halls.  Also, the health education program has received a grant to help address the growing concern of alcohol on campus.  The grant will be used to create a new alcohol education program, as well as fund brief intervention.
           
The health education program will celebrate the great American smoke-out on Nov. 17.  This will be a day-long campaign geared not only toward tobacco use, but also a full fledged health and wellness fair.  Saenz said “Last year we had acupuncture and massages, and people really enjoyed themselves.”