From stress to the common cold, students are likely to face a variety of health challenges throughout their time at the U.
To help students to be more aware of physical and mental heath, the Student Health Advisory Committee orchestrates an annual wellness fair that is being held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.
Usually, most students either don’t bother stopping by the event or view it as an opportunity to load up on condoms to throw at their friends. However, the wellness fair can be an asset to students looking to take care of themselves in multiple capacities as well as inform themselves on health issues that they might not understand.
U Students should take advantage of the wellness fair for all the information it offers.
For starters, no one can argue that safe sex is not an issue for U students. Though some on this campus might be supporters of abstinence, other students who are or might become sexually active need to educate themselves on the importance of safe sex. When it comes to sex, ignorance is not bliss — it’s dangerous. The possibility of unwanted pregnancy and potential contraction of a variety of STDs could impact the rest of a student’s life. The dangers of unsafe sex are reason enough to seek out proper sex education from representatives at the wellness fair.
Stress can also be a major factor in the lives of many students. The combination of classes, work and trying to maintain a social life can cause stress symptoms that are detrimental to the success of a student at the U. Stress can lead to falling grades, social withdrawal and have a negative impact on one’s physical health. Mental health is important, and students should not ignore it. The wellness fair has made it a point to involve the campus counseling center to point students with psychological issues to a place that offers affordable services specifically for students.
This year SHAC has also incorporated an interesting variety of campus groups such as Latter-day Saints Student Association to focus on non-body related issues such as spiritual health.
Additionally, the Student Health Center and SHAC will be available to students who need to know about basic health needs, such as where to get a flu shot or how to find a physician.
The wellness fair happens once a year and is an incredible tool for students to remember something that is often forgotten — their health. Students should take some time and stop by the fair for free information that could positively impact the way they live.