September 01, 2011

Wellness Center sponsoring free workshops

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A series of workshops at Southern Illinois University Carbondale this semester will highlight a variety of issues pertinent to health and well-being.

The Student Health Center’s Wellness Center is offering the free presentations featuring the latest and most accurate information available on a variety of topics.  The public is welcome to attend the workshops at the Student Health Center Auditorium.

The Wellness Workshops schedule through the end of October includes:

            •  SI-U Can Make a Difference, Sept. 7, 3 p.m.  How would you respond if a friend said the person they were dating forced sex?  This interactive discussion will enhance awareness of how you can take a stand against sexual violence and help one another.

            •  Safety First? Sept. 15, 4:30 p.m.  The winner of a clash between a pedestrian and an automobile is obvious.  Countless distractions exist and texting, telephones, friends, MP3 players and those sorts of things can easily put us in danger.  Learn quick and easy tips to stay safe and avoid becoming a statistic.

            •  EveryBody’s Perfect, Sept. 20, 3:30 p.m.  College students often have unrealistic views and expectations regarding their bodies and can sometimes go to extreme and dangerous measures to meet those expectations.  This session explores how media, culture and peers influence body image and how there’s an intensifying battle among males and minorities with body dissatisfaction. 

            •  A Good Night’s Sleep, Sept. 26, 5 p.m.  There’s a proven correlation between lack of sleep and academic performance.  Here’s your chance to learn about healthy sleep habits to improve your health, well-being and likelihood of college success.

            •  Inked, Oct. 5, 2 p.m.  Tattoos and body have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among college students.  Learn how to get the artwork that not only looks best but is as safe as possible and yet unique and individualized.

            •  The Alcohol Expectancy Challenge, Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m.  People have their own beliefs about alcohol, its use and anticipated effects, based on memory, experiences, observations and media.  This workshop examines influences on our perceptions and helps participants become accurate consumers regarding alcohol expectancies.

            •  Behind the Screen:  Being Privately Violent in Public Spaces, Oct. 24, 4 p.m.  The privacy and immediate nature of the Internet gives some people the mindset that they can indulge freely in abusive practices.  This dialogue will examine the use of harmful language and images that essentially create online verbal, emotional and/or psychological attacks.

The Wellness Center offers information and confidential counseling for stress management, nutrition, substance abuse, violence prevention, sexual health, relationship violence and much more.  For more information about the workshops or the Student Health Center and the many services it provides, visit the website at www.shc.siuc.edu or call 618/536-4441.