Although it’s only October, Lawrence has experienced quite a bit of chilly weather. Still recovering from midterms, students at LU only have a few weeks before finals, performances, and projects are due. As you’ve probably been feeling, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be active and to ward off the stress of seventh week.
Have no fear though! Lawrence University’s Wellness Center has programmed plenty of events to keep us healthy and in strong spirits.
LU provides a number of subsidized services for students and faculty. Lawrence will be hosting flu shot clinics, which will combine the seasonal flu vaccine with the swine flu vaccine. The clinics will be held Nov. 1 from 7-9 p.m. and Nov. 2 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
According to Director of Health Services and Registered Nurse Susie Muenster, “We see a lot of upper respiratory ailments. The best things that students can do to prevent them is good hand washing and good respiratory etiquette when they’re coughing or sneezing. Throwing snowballs is an awesome release. Building snowmen, snow angels and sledding down hills is a good way to take advantage of the winter months. The sun is still out there; it’s just behind the clouds.”
For relaxation from athletics, musical training or poor ergonomic posture while studying, a massage therapist is on campus Tuesday evenings in the Wellness Center from 6-9 p.m. Massages are only $10 for 30 minutes or $20 for 60 minutes. Sign up quickly; due to the popularity of the event, students are only allowed one massage per term.
Students are also encouraged to participate in a variety of year round events held in Warch and the Wellness Center. For spiritual, physical and mental discipline, yoga classes are held Monday-Thursday at 11:10 or noon. For those interested in a Latin American twist, Zumba is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and involves dance and aerobic elements. Although our beach bodies are only on display for a couple of weeks in Appleton, you may want to tone up with Pilates for winter break. Pilates is held on Wednesdays at noon. Other activities include fencing and Taijutsu.
Intramural activities are a great way to maintain healthy living through physical fitness, social interaction and all levels of competition, and students can still participate in Fall Term events. Plantz and Trever Halls, who have been engaged in a long-term rivalry, will be holding a Flag Football showdown Nov. 4.
There will be a Beanbag Toss Tournament on Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. In following terms, sports like volleyball, racquetball, indoor soccer, basketball and broomball will be offered. You can follow your favorite intramural teams or learn about how to prepare for winter and spring term sports by visiting LU intramural sports’ blog at http://blogs.lawrence.edu/im/.
LU Students can provide their own input through the Wellness Committee, held Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Runkel room on the 4th floor of Warch Campus Center. E-mail luwellness@lawrence.edu for more information. Bon Appétit also provides several informal luncheon forums in which students can learn about specific topics and share ideas. Students and Bon Appétit staff will discuss healthy snacks Nov. 8 from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
In order to decrease stress, the Wellness Center advises students to utilize lamps with full spectrum lighting while studying or reading. Light therapy lamps are found in residence halls and the Center for Teaching and Learning. The LU Wellness Committee also organizes events such as midterm and finals study breaks, kickball on the green and foursquare tournaments. If all of these activities aren’t enough to ease your Freshman 15, Lawrence University students can gain access to a free YMCA pass
Said Muenster, “As a college student, get sleep when you can. Don’t do all-nighters — they don’t help in the end. Plan one day that you can go out and have a great time — go out to the movies, so take one day of the weekend off. Make sure your nutrition stays and make sure you drink enough water. Every student should be on a multivitamin.”