Cat Grunbaum

Review staff writer

Once again it is the time of year when young adults from all over the country head off to college to begin a new chapter of their lives.
Although this is an exciting time, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Going through changes, such as moving away from home and into a dorm, means more people, new situations and, therefore, more opportunities to get into unhealthy habits.
Wellness Week is held to help instill healthy habits. Tables at both Walker Hall and Withnell Commons offer an array of information about topics that students will inevitably cross paths with.
“Wellness Week provides information and skills for students to take charge of their health and make good choices,” Christina Ries, Health Promotion and Student Wellness Coordinator said. “Wellness Week is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle that students should continue to build upon.”
Although Wellness Week has been a tradition at Linfield for some time, there was a tremendous amount of support from the student body this year. More than 26 groups, including clubs, classes and Greek life, were involved in handing out information regarding mental health, relationships and sexual health, substance abuse, nutrition and physical health.
Kits handed out included stress reduction tools, safe sex supplies, smoking cessation methods, multivitamins and first aid kits.
One of the events during Wellness Week was the Purple Plague, an activity that demonstrates how quickly disease can spread.
One way disease can spread is through direct contact, such as touching an infected person, kissing or having sex. Another way is through indirect contact, such as touching a contaminated object, ingesting contaminated food or water, getting bitten by an insect or through the air, the Purple Plague demonstrates.
Students are encouraged to get vaccinated to prevent diseases, wash their hands frequently, avoid contact with infected people, get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, focusing on fruits and vegetables, manage stress, get adequate sleep and not to smoke cigarettes or hookah.
Students can see if their wristband won a prize by checking the e-mail distributed by Ries. Winners can pick up their prizes at the Student Health Center.
Even though there was much involvement with Wellness Week, numerous students said they believe it was not enough to make much of a difference.
“Tables should be open for more than 11 a.m.-2 p.m. since the majority of students are in class during those times,” senior Sydney Abbott said. “Also, wellness needs to be taught more than once a year to be effective.”
Other students said they believe Wellness Week events are not engaging to their demographic.
“It would be nice to see something different for once,” senior Jena Miller said. “It’s always the same thing every year.”
Ries asks those with ideas for next year’s Wellness Week to e-mail suggestions to [email protected] or stop by the Wellness Center.