Health Education
Purpose
At the Center for Campus Wellness, we believe everyone should have easy access to health information to make informed choices to improve their wellbeing.
Our programs meet participants where they are at along their wellness journey without shame or pressure by taking a harm reduction approach. Our programs are guided by the Nine Dimensions of Wellness model championed by public health leaders.
Our Health Educators provide education and training, connections to resources, community gathering spaces, and conducts awareness campaigns to encourage students to take action toward their overall success.
The Nine Dimensions of Wellness
At the Center for Campus Wellness, we believe finding balance, cultivating curiosity, and building confidence to take action to leads to transformative change that can improve our holistic well-being.
Well-being is the amalgamation of many wellness choices, actions, questions, and explorations that improve the quality of our lives.
Education and Training
Our education team provides wellness workshops and trainings for students, faculty, and staff. Foster practical skills and nurture a holistic understanding of health and wellness on the individual, interpersonal, and community levels.
Community
Want to learn about wellness beyond the classroom? Consider expanding your wellness skillset at an upcoming event, read stories about how people like you are practicing wellness, or explore our resources hub!
Contact
For questions or more information about our health education program, please contact us.
wellness@sa.utah.edu | (801) 581-7776
Cultural Wellness
“The ability to be aware of, understand, and respect different cultures, as well as one’s own cultural background.”
Examples
- Participating in multi-cultural activities
- Learning about and honoring your heritage, language, and traditions
- Practicing open-mindedness and perspective about the many ways people can live and thrive
Emotional Wellness
"The ability to identify and manage one’s emotions, adapt to change, and respond to stressful situations.”
Examples
- Mindfulness
- Boundary setting
- Building self-esteem with positive self-talk
- Asking for help
- Attending support groups or therapy
- Nurturing supportive relationships
- Being able to relax
Environmental Wellness
“The ability to live in harmony with natural and built environments to support your well-being and respect resources through mindful & sustainable practices”
Examples
- Reducing waste
- Seasonally eating produce when it is ripe in your area
- Creating supportive home and work spaces
- Connecting with nature
- Conserving natural resources (i.e. fuel, electricity, water)
- Avoiding toxic cleaning products
- Practicing stewardship and responsibility
Financial Wellness
“The ability to manage your money and resources to meet your needs and feel secure in your financial future.”
Examples
- Budgeting
- Preparing an emergency fund
- Saving for goals
- Meeting with a financial counselor
- Investing in retirement and stocks
- Filing taxes annually
- Applying for financial support (i.e. scholarships, assistance programs, etc.)
- Paying off and living debt-free
Intellectual Wellness
“The ability to use your brain to practice critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and striving for learning beyond the academic-setting.”
Examples
- Study skills
- Time management
- Understanding complex issues
- Trying new things (even when we may be "bad" at first!)
- Nuturing interests
- Develop your own ideas
- Improve confidence sharing ideas with others
Occupational Wellness
“The ability to explore aspirations, balance career requirements, and feel healthy and satisfied by one’s work or occupation."
Examples
- Seeking out opportunities for growth
- Taking breaks
- Avoiding injury
- Meet with a career coach
- Supportive work relationships
- Seeking out mentorship
- Practice setting, communicating, and upholding boundaries
Physical Wellness
"The ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet and movement routine that allows you to perform daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress.”
Examples
- Moving your body for 30 minutes daily
- Making a nutritious weekly meal plan
- Seeking out medical care when injured or feeling unwell
- Sleep hygiene
- Attending regular doctor's appointments (i.e. dental cleanings, cancer screenings, STI testing, flu shots, annual physical, etc.)
- Approaching substance use with a harm reduction perspective
Social Wellness
"The ability to build, maintain, and repair interpersonal connections to feel a sense of belonging and support.”
Examples
- Initiating conversations with new people
- Talk to people with shared interests
- Active listening and empathy
- Managing rejection and grief
- Approaching conflict with care and respect
- Practice setting, communicating, and upholding boundaries
Spiritual Wellness
“The ability to find purpose in life and explore your values, ethics, and morals so your actions are guided by your values.”
Examples
- Reflection exercises
- Belief exploration
- Tarot readings
- Stewardship of natural environments
- Values assessment
- Meditation
- Religious practices
Harm Reduction 101
Harm reduction is a public health approach focused on minimizing the consequences associated with a behavior without needing the activity to stop. Rather than mandating abstinence, harm reduction meets people where they are at and offers compassionate practices to stay safe without shame.
It is a well-researched, evidence-based approach shown to be effective in minimizing substance related harms such as death, disease, and injury.
In fact, harm reduction is the only global policy response to substance use that has proven to save lives and money at the same time as increasing quality of life. (Stone & Sander, 2016)
You probably interact with several forms of harm reduction daily such as seatbelts, sun screen, air bags, bike helmets, air bags and more!