Did you know that vaping is a public health concern?  The CDC and FDA are investigating the link between lung damage and chemicals in liquid nicotine and THC. It is important for you to know how vaping can affect your health. Penn State offers cessation support through Health Promotion and Wellness. 

 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Penn State and organizations around Centre County are offering a variety of programs this month to raise awareness about domestic and relationship violence.  

Become involved with prevention efforts by visiting Centre Safe or Gender Equity. Learn about this month’s events and  take a stand against violence.  

October is LBGTQ+ History Month. Penn State and The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) have a wide array of events planned to spread awareness about the history of the LGBTQ+ community. Check out the month-long celebration of events including speakers, interactive workshops, and international observances.

Your bedroom environment can help you get a good night’s rest. Did you know keeping your bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for optimal sleep? Learn how to design a sleep-friendly bedroom by signing up for a sleep wellness service. 

Not all college students drink alcohol.  If you choose to drink, be sure to practice behaviors that reduce your risk experiencing consequences and keep you safe. Here are the top 5 safer drinking strategies used by Penn State students: eat food or a meal before you start drinking, set a limit of how much you’ll drink before you start pre-gaming, keep count of your drinks, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep it to about 1 standard drink per hour. 

HealthWorks provides drop-in wellness consultations at two locations. These appointments are brief 10-minute conversations about your wellness. If you’re curious about your wellness, stop by Mondays between 4-5pm in 202 Redifer Commons or Thursdays between 4-5pm in 134 Johnston Commons. A peer health educator will be happy to talk with you and share information about wellness resources.  

There is a multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette products  including devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges.  If you use e-cigarette products and experience the following symptoms, seek medical care promptly.  Symptoms include:  cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; fatigue, fever, or weight loss.  Medical care is available at the University Health Services.  You can make an appointment or call (814) 863-0774.

Vaping cessation services are available through Health Promotion and Wellness.  You can make an appointment or call (814) 863-0461.  More information about the multistate outbreak is available in this CDC Investigation notice. 

Let’s face it, you have a busy schedule and many responsibilities. This might make it difficult for you to prioritize wellness. Health Promotion and Wellness is offering a range of wellness events this semester. Visit the Healthy Penn State website to learn about what’s going on.  

It is important to get help for someone with the signs of alcohol poisoning. Pennsylvania’s Medical Amnesty Law and Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol protects you and your peers from getting in trouble if you’re under the age of 21. 

Using mindfulness meditation in a natural setting can promote well-being.  Meditating outdoors can bring you more in touch with your senses and enhance the effectiveness of the meditative practice. Practicing mindfulness in nature can open your connections to the natural world.

There are resources available to students, such as the Manage Stress Workbook and Koru Mindfulness, both of which can be used outdoors. You could also use the Calm app as you relax at the Penn State Arboretum.