Student health resources can support students interested in learning, implementing and maintaining new health habits, said Dr. Sarah Van Orman, chief campus health officer. Daily Trojan June 5th.
Sleep is an important determinant of health, and poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease, heart attack and mental health impacts, Van Orman said.
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Sleep allows the body to rest and restore, promoting tissue growth and repair needed to prevent disease. Health behaviors such as sleep regularity and consistency in sleep-wake patterns also impact sleep quality and health.
“Think about, ‘What habits can I continue into the next year that will sustain me and make me feel better both physically and mentally,'” Van Orman says. “Basically, it’s about working on ways to retrain yourself for better sleep, like incorporating a meditation or relaxation routine before bed or figuring out how to remove devices from your bed an hour before you want to sleep.” [and] Set a regular sleep schedule.”
Practicing mindfulness can lead to improved physical and mental health, Van Orman said, and he recommended wellness resources on campus.
Mindful USC offers guided meditation through the program’s app, practice groups and online classes, and previous course topics have included anxiety management, mindfulness in professional work, self-compassion and mindful eating.
University resources offer nutrition education such as cooking seminars, consultations with campus dietitians, the USC Student Cookbook, which consists of a clinical nutrition guide, meal preparation advice and nutrition support programs.
“Student Health Cookbook [includes] Recipes from students [with] “The food they like to cook reflects who they are, the families they come from, the cultures they come from,” Van Orman says. “Cooking together and cooking for ourselves is not only really nutritious, it also connects us as people… [and the cookbook] It really reflects the background of USC students.”
Van Orman said students can consider incorporating exercise into their daily routine and encouraged them to join student organizations that organize hikes and trips. Continuing students who are not enrolled in summer classes can pay a student summer membership fee to use recreational sports facilities, such as the campus gym and USC Workout fitness classes.
“No matter where we are, spending time outdoors, with or without physical activity, is good for us both mentally and physically,” Van Orman says.
Van Orman said students are encouraged to receive regular preventive health services, including annual checkups, dental care, specialty services and support as needed. Counseling and Mental Health Services can help students receive care or referrals to student wellness programs, including one-time counseling meetings, clinical services and support groups.
“[Let’s Talk sessions] “You’re with a counselor. It’s not a therapy session, but you can just drop in and talk about anything,” Van Orman says. “Sometimes that’s all the support that a person needs, and sometimes it’s a great way to find out more about services that are available.”
Van Orman said building sustainable habits takes practice and encourages students to tackle one health goal at a time. University resources can support students in seeking medical care, health education and wellness resources.
The last area is [students] What is noteworthy is how they [are] “How has the last year been for you, emotionally and personally?” Van Orman asked. “Have you adopted a meditation practice or spoken to someone about it? [might have been] For people who are struggling, this may be an opportunity to lend a hand.”
