Back To School Mental Preparedness Kit GIVEAWAY

July is National Minority Mental Health Month. August brings finals from summer semester and "back to school" for fall semester students. We figured we would combine the two for a giveaway kit valued at over $50 - all about being mindful, improving mental health, and loving yourself in all your imperfect glory. And all it takes is a simple click of the mouse.

Like us on Facebook for your chance to win it all! Tell your friends and share your spoils. Bottom line is: August is going to be a good one! The contest runs from July 31 - August 31, but don't wait! Enter today!

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Check out these articles!

Good afternoon, dear readers,

We have a couple articles that are pretty spectacular. Check them out for a better you:

Foods for Better Focus, Mental Clarity and Improved Memory
DYK: food affects your mind! Find out what ones will help your brain succeed the most

Health & Wellness says Miley Cyrus is wrong
This article highlights our media campaign to promote our tobacco cessation services


We hope you're all having a great, safe summer. Make sure to drop in this summer for any of your health and wellness needs!

June is National Safety Month

Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. The good news is everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries.

During National Safety Month, Salt Lake Community College Health & Wellness Services is working with community members to help reduce the risk of injuries. This June, we encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like prescription drug abuse, distracted driving, heatstroke, and skin health.

• Prescription drug abuse: Prescription painkiller overdoses are a growing problem in the United States, especially among women. About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose – more than 4 times as many as back in 1999.
• Distracted driving: Doing other activities while driving – like texting or eating – increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 5 crashes (18%) that injured someone involved distracted driving.

You can make a difference. Find out ways to help reduce the risk of these safety issues.

For more information, visit our office in the Student Center (035) on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus. We look forward to seeing you!

HWS

June Summer Safety Gift Bag Giveaway!

We've got all kinds of good swag for you to get your hands on, and it couldn't be easier to win! Check out the Rafflecopter giveaway details below!

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*Winner is responsible for picking up prize from our office (STC 035)*

Sounds of Stress

Sometimes just hearing the words anxiety and stress can cause a feeling of unpleasantness.  Stress and anxiety are part of life.  They are built in to the human condition.  For college students, though there are some important factors and areas of their lives that are often the source of anxiousness and stress.  Family dynamics, finances, romantic relationships and educational hurdles are some of the most common ones.  Final exams are an example of something that is almost designed to trigger some anxiousness and stress. 

Data shows that approximately two thirds of people 18-34 experience moderate stress while nearly a third deal with severe stress.  It is important to note that stress is not restricted to only to being a negative experience. Eustress is the type of stress associated with positive and fulfilling activities and events (like finishing the semester).

While distress and anxiety are to some degree unavoidable in our lives, there are some strategies, techniques and even plain old common sense that can make managing those feelings easier. 

Regular sleep is important.  Just as stress can wear down our physical immune system it can also take a toll on our ability to focus, think logically and experience a healthy range of emotions.  Simple patterns like going to bed and the same time every night regardless of how tired you feel and doing the same for waking up can make a significant difference.

Meditating and doing deep breathing can help soothe feelings of panic.  Regular exercise, even if it is low impact can do a lot to build up depleted emotional reservoirs.  Lastly, many people find that having someone to talk to who knows how to listen, like a therapist, to be very beneficial in managing stress and anxiety.

So, while there is no magical key to eliminating all stress and anxiety from your life, there are interventions that can help you manage it better.  

Destress Fest

Sleepy Guide 3