Nutrition, stress, health, time management – whatever a West Virginia University student is struggling with the new WELL WVU: The Students’ Center of Health Web site serves as a portal to a world of help and information.
The new site (http://well.wvu.edu ) provides information in written articles, podcasts, quizzes, games and an “Ask the Expert” e-mail service.
“Research has shown that students go to the Web for their health information. This Web site is very specific to WVU and provides up to date information on health topics relevant to students. It tells students where they can go to get help, and it connects professionals directly with students. It will be extremely helpful,” said Colleen Harshbarger, director of Student Wellness and Health Promotion.
All information is categorized under the three branches of WELL WVU: Student Health, Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services and Wellness and Health Promotion.
Information on the services offered by the three departments and office hours are listed under each tab. In addition, resources are offered about nutrition, fitness, stress management, sexual health, alcohol and drugs, relationships and depression, among other things.
“Our goal is to make all aspects of wellness more accessible to students. Having this Web site allows WVU to reach students who live on campus, as well as distance learners who are taking online classes,” said Cathy Yura, assistant vice president for WELL WVU. “The more students use the site, the more they will find activities on campus to get involved in and information that will help them stay healthy as well as health care services when they need them.”
She added, “Plus, with all the other interactive features, students who use the Web site will be entertained, as well as informed.”
WVU obtained a licensing agreement with national company, Education Dynamics, to provide national-level expertise and interactive tools. Students who visit the site can monitor their time management, calculate their Body Mass Index and take quizzes to see if they are depressed or are at risk for an eating disorder, among other things.
In addition, WVU students and staff have created the WELL Cast series of podcasts. The videos cover a variety of wellness related topics. Students can watch a video on how to do a bench press, how to find Student Health, how to find healthy food in the grocery store, how to get a good night sleep in the residence hall and how to stay healthy on a night out on the town, among others.
Students who have questions that are not already answered on the Web site are encouraged to “Ask the Expert.” Each branch of the WELL WVU site has an expert on that particular area. Students can e-mail the expert privately and receive a confidential response.
Students can also follow WELL WVU on Twitter and Facebook to read some the most common questions and answers and get a variety of wellness tips and advice. And, using the WELL Voices component students can leave a note on Facebook about their WELL WVU experience.
In addition to the Web site, a WELL WVU information line has been established. Any students with health-related questions are urged to call 304-293-WELL.
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CONTACT: Colleen Harshbarger, WELL WVU
304-293-5054, Colleen.Harshbarger@mail.wvu.edu
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