Want to stay healthy this semester?
You can start by washing your hands.
Jo Antreasian, the clinic program coordinator for the Student Health Center, said cleanliness is the easiest way to stay healthy, but many students neglect it.
Antreasian was one of several representatives at Safety, Health, Wellness and ROTC Day on Tuesday, part of the week-long Welcome Back Days.
The Student Health Center provided free blood pressure evaluations in hopes of raising awareness about the services that are provided on campus.
A wide variety of safety and health-related groups, including New Mexico AIDS Services and the Chinese Shao-Lin Center, gave information to students. Representatives from various military branches recruited for the armed services in front of the Student Union Building.
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Ryan Lindquist, assistant director of the Student Activities Center, was on-site, managing the many booths set up around the Duck Pond.
"There's a lot of departments and entities here on campus that deal with the safety, health and wellness of our students," Lindquist said. "It's important that students take care of themselves when they get to UNM and that they're conscious about the assistance that they can get on campus."
Debbie Morris, director of the Student Activities Center, said the health-focused Welcome Back Day is one of the most important for students new or returning to campus.
"This has been a long-standing tradition," she said. "It's a different approach to giving important information to students."
Antreasian said the Student Health Center employs 13 practitioners and seven counselors, as well as several specialists throughout the year.
"If we can keep students healthy and in class, they're more academically successful," Antreasian said.
Antreasian said stress is a leading cause of student illness.
"Stress really takes a toll on our immune systems," she said. She advises avoiding stress by planning time for rest during the day.
Students from the Chinese Shao-Lin Center recommended exercise to relieve stress and improve health.
Nick Morse, a student at the studio, said there are a lot of objects around campus that can be manipulated for exercise.
"I've noticed that you have different workout contraptions set up at different places, so you can use those whenever you have a free moment between classes," Morse said. "It doesn't have to be too long or too much, just enough to keep your blood flowing and your body functioning."
Javier Rios, a representative of New Mexico AIDS Services, was at the Duck Pond promoting sexual health.
The organization provides free STI testing and other services that focus on sexual safety and health, Rios said.
"We encourage people to use protection when they're having sex, especially with partners that are anonymous," he said.
