Newswise — As in much of the rest of the country, personal health and wellness are top of mind at Western Illinois University.
As part of the University's "Health and Wellness: Challenges and Responsibilities" theme for the 2008-09 academic year, Beu Health Center, in conjunction with the University Theme Committee, the office of the Vice President for Student Services (VPSS), Student Assistance and Parent Service Center (SAPSC) and the University Union, has launched "Student Health 101," an online health and wellness magazine.
The first issue of the online, interactive magazine hit students' e-mail inboxes Aug. 25, the first day of classes this semester. It includes essential health-related information for first-time college students and tips and resources for second-year and upper-class students as well.
"Each issue will contain valuable information that will help students make the most of their time in college -- from reducing stress to succeeding in classes to relationships and getting involved," said Mary Margaret Harris, director of Beu Health Center and an individual key to the publication's launch at WIU.
Highlights of the August 2008 issue include an article that provides information about how students, particularly freshmen, can deal effectively with homesickness; a feature on how to make connections and get involved on campus; articles on time and money management and the importance of sleep; a "share your story" form, through which students can write and send their personal stories; social network bookmarking "buttons," which enable students to save information to various online social networks they may be on; and animated cartoons and other multimedia components, such as a video introduction and audio recordings from other college students sharing their insights about maintaining health and wellness while in college.
"Parents can also view the online magazine, and there is a special parents' perspective issue sent through SAPSC," Harris said. "'Student Health 101' also includes a link to a PDF that serves as a 65-page health guide that addresses health issues relevant to college students."
While the information is targeted toward traditional college-age students, Western faculty and staff also have access to "Student Health 101."
"The magazine includes information they may find useful for themselves as well as for the students they encounter every day," Harris added.
"Student Health 101" is presented through an innovative interface that enables readers to click on arrows that "turn the pages." Access to back issues is also provided in each month's publication.
Read Western's orientation edition of "Student Health 101" at http://issue.sh101digital.com/showmag.php?mid=hsrgf. The current issue and past issues of the magazine are also available on Beu Health Center's website at http://student.services.wiu.edu/beu/studenthealth101.
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