Rensselaer Student Health Center
Addresses "Reality Campus Life"
Some activities that are directed to new students include:
During Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond, the SHC sponsored several exciting events under the theme: "Reality Campus Life," addressing issues that are a concern to many students at college.
We addressed the fact that Healthy eating is not only possible, but a reality at Rensselaer. Resources for healthy eating and fitness abound. Terri Kersch, Health Educator, introduced the hot topic of weight management to first-year students as part of NRB activities. Her program entitled The Freshman 15: Not a Required Course at Rensselaer discusses healthy weight (not the number, but body composition), fad diets and why they don't work, and the relationship between eating, exercise and wellness. This program provides skills to help students develop a mindset of balance in both eating and fitness. It answers questions of those who want to remain fit and those who need to become more fit.
Terri along with Marcus Hotaling, Counseling Center psychologist, presented How to Avoid the Problems, Pitfalls and Pains of Freshman Year during NRB. This timely program provides insight and strategies into recognizing and avoiding common pitfalls and potential problems during the first year. This lively and well attended program speaks directly to the misperception that 'what worked in high school will get us through RPI'. It addresses everything from healthy sleep patterns to negotiating 'sticky' issues with roommates, to finding that amazing thing called balance.
On Thursday, August 24, Ross Szabo spoke to all first year students. Ross's nationally acclaimed program What Happy Faces are Hiding: Talking About Depression puts a face to mental health issues. As Ross told his story, we clearly heard the disconnect between the public face and the reality of depression. This was Ross's third appearance at Rensselaer. We welcomed him as he expresses the feelings of many of our students and highlights our many services and the need for a strong support system.
On Tuesday, October 24, the Student Health Center and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity will sponsor a campus-wide alcohol and other drug program. Nationally recognized speakers Raphael Saler and Joe Bertolino will present From Campus Leader to Drug Dealer. Students will see how the "big man on campus" can end up in jail on drug charges only a few short years after college? Students will meet Raph Saler, former student leader and "all American fraternity boy" and his former advisor, Joe Bertolino, as they describe how Raph's weekend use of drugs spiraled out of control. Joe and Raph put vivid faces on the reality of drug use/abuse on campus, effectively dispelling the misperception that good students stay away from drugs.
Be sure to remind your student of these valuable opportunities to learn, have fun, eat well, AND get freebies!
