Photo credits: “Hazard” (Public Domain) by Crusty Da Klown (Busy)
As you may or may not know, April 7, 2022 is World Health Day. It is sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is a way to promote health globally. Each year has a theme and this year’s theme is “Our planet, our health.” There has been a greater focus on the environment lately, and the WHO is part of that. According to the WHO, 13 million deaths could be avoided every year based on environmental factors. That’s a HUGE number! They also mentioned that “over 90% of people breathe unhealthy air resulting from burning of fossil fuels.” Did you know that number was so high? It’s important to remember that health incorporates multiple aspects like environmental health, physical health, mental health and so on.
Need some ideas on how to celebrate World Health Day? Check out the list below!
- Drink Water: Water is one of the easiest ways to start on the journey to improve your wellbeing. This is especially important if you drink caffeine or sugary beverages.
- Eat Healthily: I know it’s hard to eat healthily on a college student’s budget, but it’s an essential part of your wellbeing! Make sure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables so you know you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. If you’re concerned about this, see a doctor or a dietician!
- Sleep: Getting enough sleep is difficult for many people, but especially college students. However, sleep is so important for our brain and body — it’s how we recharge! If you’re feeling burnt out or tired a lot, it might be a good time to evaluate your current sleep schedule.
- Exercise: Exercising is a great way to stay in shape while also releasing stress! Studies have shown that exercise also reduces the risk of certain diseases, like heart disease. Remember that you can work out for free at the Student Recreation Center while being a WCU student.
- Recycle/Pick Up Trash: Part of health is environmental health. While we cannot control every aspect of our environment, it’s important to help out where we can! If you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up! Just make sure you do not touch it with your bare hands, or wash them as soon as possible.
- Head to the Doctor: Many diseases are preventable. It’s important to visit the doctor regularly, including any specialists you may need to see! How often do you visit the doctor?
- Self-Care: Doing things for ourselves is a great way to work on our mental health. This can be as simple as putting your phone down before you go to bed, reading a book, meditating or doing an activity that you like.
There are multiple resources on campus if you need assistance. You can visit the Office of Wellness Promotion, located in Commonwealth Hall, where they have wellness coaching! The Counseling Center can be another great resource to help with your mental health. If you want to work on your physical health, consider working out at the Student Recreation Center or visiting the Student Health Services Center.
Hally Everett is a fifth-year Media and Culture major with minors in Health Sciences and Entrepreneurship. HE885418@wcupa.edu