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At Student Health Services and Health Promotion Services, we partner with students to improve their health and well-being and to support their overall success at UC San Diego. Through promotion of health evaluations, immunizations, and supporting the development of healthy habits regarding sleep, nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, substance use and stress management, we provide the foundation for student's current and future well-being.
In pursuit of a well-informed, healthy campus community, our work is guided by evidence-based practices within the following priority areas:
Attending UC San Diego is about more than just taking academic courses. While your intellect is being broadened and developed, it is important that you nurture your physical and mental health to maintain balance and well-being.
Structure your time so that you have at least 30 minutes per day for recreational activity. This will help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your physical and emotional well-being, and reduce tension. The UC San Diego campus has numerous athletic facilities for student use, including RIMAC, a state-of-the-art recreational facility. Remember, when exercising outdoors, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Try to start your day with breakfast and eat consistently throughout the day to provide your body with consistent energy. Create variety within your meals and snacks by incorporating carbohydrates, protein sources, fat sources, fruits and vegetables. Remember to take time to socialize and relax with others during your meals and cultivate or maintain a positive relationship with food.
Be sure to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, ask others how you can best manage it. Get involved in student organizations, clubs and activities available on campus. Maintain your sense of humor. Understand how others impact your mental and emotional health. Discuss your feelings with others, including family, friends and health professionals at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), where services are free and confidential, or at Student Health.
Make intelligent choices and take responsibility for your health. Focus on developing friendships. There are numerous social and volunteer activities available at UC San Diego. Participate and broaden your experiences while increasing feelings of self-worth and creating new friendships.
Smokers have three times greater chance of dying from heart disease and 25 times greater chance of developing lung cancer. Smokers suffer from an increased incidence of asthma, allergy and sinus disease, sleep disturbances, stomach problems, and numerous other diseases. If you are a current smoker, contact the Health Promotion department at Student Health Services for assistance in quitting.
The greatest risk to your life is related to the use of drugs or alcohol, which impede judgment and motor skills. 50% of all driving fatalities are attributed to alcohol use. Being under the influence of these substances may also put you at risk for an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection. Counseling and Psychological Services can help you understand the reasons behind your substance use and help change your behavior.