University Park, Pa. -- Penn State's University Health Services (UHS) has announced two opportunities for students to improve their own health and the health of those around them.
Handwashing campaign to reduce spread of infections
Last fall 3,679 students visited the University Health Services for upper respiratory infections. One of the objectives of a new health campaign, sponsored by the Office of Health Promotion and Education, is to reduce these visits by 2 percent by educating students about illness prevention. As a part of the "Don't Get Caught Dirty Handed" campaign -- which was created by the Office of Health Promotion and Education to educate students about the importance of handwashing in reducing the spread of infections, especially colds and flu -- a special education event is open to all East Halls residents, especially first-year students Jan. 30 and Feb. 1-2 at Johnston Commons.
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Quit and Win challenge helps smokers kick the habit
Penn State students at the University Park campus who want to quit smoking or at least cut back are invited to sign up for the "Quit and Win Challenge," which will be held during February. Since giving up smoking can be so difficult for smokers, extra help may be needed to kick the habit. The Quit and Win Challenge offers support to students, including advice from other students and cessation support group meetings. Quit and Win -- which is supported by UHS and funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania State Tobacco Settlement Funds -- offers individual sessions with trained student peer educators and weekly cessation support group meetings.
Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/15694