A healthy student is a happy and more successful one — but between classes, exams, work and busy social calendars, maintaining a balanced lifestyle can be challenging. The Campus Health Center (CHC) has several ideas for students to stay #WarriorStrong on campus. 

1. Walk it out

Wayne State University is a 200-acre campus complete with museums, parks, art and more. Between classes, walk around to explore and exercise. A brisk 10-minute walk around campus is not only good for the soul; it’s also good for your health.

Be sure to check out the 2.5-mile Warrior Fitness Trail, which extends across main campus and includes stations with specific exercises — think lunges, jumping jacks and torso twists — accompanied by art.

2. Take advantage of free health services

CHC offers a variety of services to the WSU community:

• Illness care: All students receive a free illness visit per semester. Use this campus resource to practice healthy living and prevent a stuffy nose from being your worst nightmare during finals week.
• Flu shots: Catching the flu can sideline you for days, or even weeks. Take a proactive approach by getting a flu shot. The CHC offers flu shots at no out-of-pocket charge throughout the fall and winter semester. Get yours today, and be sure to participate in the WSU Flu Vaccination Challenge.
• Sexual health resources: The CHC provides sexual health resources — including information about birth control options and free STI testing — in a safe, no-judgment environment. The CHC also offers free HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing to eligible students. Call CHC at 313-577-5041 for more details about the free Get Yourself Tested (GYT!) program.

A complete listing of upcoming GYT! and flu shot clinics is available at health.wayne.edu/events.

3. Prioritize sleep

While it may seem like a good idea at the time, an “all-nighter” is never the best option. Poor sleeping habits can weaken your immune system, decrease your alertness and promote unhealthy snacking. It is important to prioritize sleep. Getting a full night’s sleep can improve memory, sharpen focus, fight off illness and more. Learn more about the best practices for a good night’s sleep.

4. Learn to love the gym

Membership to the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center (RFC) is included in tuition. The RFC offers a variety of exercise equipment and classes, along with intramural sport teams, to help you stay active. The facility also includes a rock-climbing wall and coordinates weekend adventure trips — including white-water rafting, skiing and kayaking — throughout the year.

5. Get involved

A healthy life isn’t just about nutrition and exercise — it is all about balance. School is important, but so is organizational involvement that will help you grow and extend your circle.

With more than 400 student organizations and countless volunteer opportunities on campus, there are so many ways for Warriors to get involved. Learn more about all Wayne State has to offer at the Dean of Students Office.

6. Wash your hands

Properly washing your hands is the best way to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends scrubbing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during and after food preparation; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the restroom or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; or after touching garbage or cleaning up after a child or an animal. Proper hand-washing is also an important method to prevent the transmission of the flu and hepatitis A.

Come to the Student Center North Literature Table Nov. 6, 8, 12, 20 and 27 between 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to see a hand-washing demonstration and learn more about the proper technique.

7. Be mindful of mental health

All currently registered students qualify for services through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which offers a range of resources to support student mental health. CAPS offers counseling services, as well as therapy and support groups, to help you understand and cope with issues such as academic performance, stress management, motivation, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, adjustments to life changes and more.

CAPS also offers crisis intervention through Kognito, which provides interactive training to help recognize the signs of someone in distress. Additional mental health services are available through the College of Education’s Counseling and Testing Center and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Psychology Clinic.