National HIV Testing Day

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is coming up on Monday June 27th. Now is the time for you to learn your sexual health status. Visit http://www.hivtest.org/ to find an HIV testing site in your area.

Take the Test, Take Control!

It is recommended that sexually active men and women get tested for HIV every year. If you have had sex with someone whose history of sex partners and/or drug use is unknown to you or if you or your partner has had many sex partners, then you have more of a chance of being infected with HIV. Both you and your new partner should get tested for HIV, and learn the results, before having sex for the first time.

The best way to avoid getting HIV and other STDs is to practice safe sex. Always use a condom when having any form of sexual activity and know your sexual health status as well as your partner's sexual status!


Learn more about NHTD and HIV/AIDS at http://www.aids.gov/. Join the discussion #NHTD.

More Matters!

It is recommended that adults try to fill at least half their plate with fruits and vegetables. For women and men, that is 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits each day. Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables may be difficult but eating MORE Fruits and Veggies can help keep you healthy.

Check out choosemyplate.gov to learn more!

Remember these tips in trying to add more fruits and veggies:

1. Think variety and color in planning your meals and snacks. Eating fruits and veggies in a variety of colors-red, dark green, yellow, blue, purple, white, and orange-provides a range of healthy choices for good nutrition.

2. Consider all forms of fruits and vegetables-fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice. With all these options, it's easier than ever to find ways to include more fruits and veggies in your day.


Want to learn more? Check out the Top Ten Reasons to Eat More Fruits and Veggies http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=1477

Water Required!

Do you know the importance of drinking water?

WATER is an important part of life and living healthy. It is an essential nutrient and water deprivation kills faster than the lack of any other nutrient. Individuals who drink WATER are more likely to have a lower calorie intake and have a healthier diet pattern including fruit, vegetables and low-fat milk. Water also helps the body function properly by maintaining muscle tone and lubricating joints, helping to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness during exercise.

Tips to Increase Water Intake: Drink a glass of water with each meal and between meals.


 Hydrate before, during and after exercise.


 Eat more fruits and vegetables.


 Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks.


 Add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor.


 Have a water bottle handy


*If you drink water from a reusable bottle, thoroughly clean or replace the bottle often.


Follow the 8X8 rule:

Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day!

Be Heart Wise

May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month 

• 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure, yet about 21 % don't even know they have it
• about 76.4 million people aged 20 and older have high blood pressure

High Blood Pressure, also known as HBP or hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition. Some people think that those with hypertension are tense, nervous or hyperactive, but hypertension has nothing to do with personality traits. The truth is, you can be a calm, relaxed person and still have HBP.

High Blood Pressure is important because it can lead to damage of the arteries and heart due to the higher workload on them. This can result in a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

In most cases, the cause for High Blood Pressure is unknown. However, there are several factors that can increase your likely hood of getting High Blood Pressure. They include family history, advancing in age, gender, lack of physical activity, poor diet, overweight and obesity, and drinking to much alcohol.

Many college students are making poor choices when it comes to diet (foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt) and exercise (not getting enough or any at all) which can ultimately lead to an increase risk of high blood pressure and greater risk of heart disease. College should be a time to learn and acquire healthy habits that will help you live a great and satisfying life.

What should you be doing now to help maintain good heart health and blood pressure?

1. Know your blood pressure numbers. An ideal blood pressure is anything below 120/80.



2. Evaluate your eating habits. Try maintaining a food log for a couple days to see what you actually eat as it pertains to your intake of fat, salt, sugar, calories and cholesterol.

• Aim to eat a diet that's rich in: Fruits, Vegetables, Whole-grains, Fat-free dairy products, Beans, Skinless poultry and lean meats, Fish, especially fatty fish contain omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, trout and herring
• And low in: Saturated and trans fats, Sodium
• And limit: Added sugars

3. Evaluate your exercise and activity level. Do you get at least 30 minutes a day or most days during the week?



Check out your HBP knowledge with a quiz on High Blood Pressure. Go to:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/Test-Your-Blood-Pressure-IQ_UCM_303313_Article.jsp

Better Sleep

As you are well aware, sleep is an important element of your overall health and well-being.  Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night and many college students don’t even come close.  A lack of sleep can lead to poor performance in classes and at work. Insufficient sleep can also affect your mood resulting in irritability and is linked to troubled relationships. 

Here are a few things to try to improve your night’s sleep.

• Try to stick with a sleep schedule where you go to sleep up and wake up at the same time each day.
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can take up to 8 hours to fully wear off.
• Try to relax and unwind before bed. Stress and anxiety are a major factor contributing to lack of sleep.
• Try to identify a few different stress management techniques that help you such as reading, listening to music or meditating.

Good luck and sweet dreams.

Melanoma Monday

“Skin cancer including melanoma is the most common of all types of skin cancer and accounts for at least half of all cancers” (ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2009).  Skin cancers are typically caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun but also other sources of UV light including tanning beds, tanning lamps, and sun lamps. “Melanoma is also one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30” (ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2009).  Melanoma Monday is held nationally every year to promote skin checks for skin cancer.

Melanoma Monday will be on May 2nd from 7:00 am to 9:30 am.

 Appointments are required.

All ages are welcome.

Please contact (317) 944-7744 to schedule your appointment or for information. 

Screenings will be done at the following locations:

Coleman Hall

Wishard/Regenstrief Dermatology Clinic

IU Dermatology Clinic

It is important to make skin care a top priority. There are a number of steps you can take to prevent skin cancer.  Limit exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Remember the saying “Slip. Slop. Slap…and Wrap.”  You can start protecting your skin and slip on a shirt. Clothing is beginning to be more lightweight and comfortable and can even protect against UV exposure. These clothes are usually labeled with the identification of ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). If you are in the sun, always slop on sun screen. The American Cancer Society recommends you applying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapplying every 2 hours.  Remember to be generous when you apply the sunscreen. Finally, slap on a hat for extra protection and wrap on a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Student Health & Wellness Fair

Spring is here and it is time to get a FRESH start on your health and wellness! Join us at the

IUPUI Student Health & Wellness Fair on Thursday April 14th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Campus Center Atrium and CE 148.

FREE Screenings provided include:

• Dental Exams
• Vision Tests
• Skin Checks
• Cholesterol
• Glucose
• Blood Pressure
• Height/Weight
• Body Fat/BMI
• STD/HIV Testing
• Lung Functioning Tests
• Stress Testing
• Spinal Alignment
• Massages

There will also be a Raw Food Demonstration beginning at 12:00 pm where Audrey Barron will make Green Smoothies from local and organic kale, fruits and veggies. Don't miss out on the free samples. This event is sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

Other health and wellness topics covered include:

• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Sexual Health
• Oral Health
• Skin Cancer Prevention
• Smoking Cessation
• Student Wellness
• Vision