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October 19, 2021

Your guide to wellness programs and events, recreational opportunities and highlights, timely educational wellness information and service offerings throughout the academic year.

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Welcome back, Tigers! We hope you had a relaxing fall break with time to rest and recharge for the remainder of the semester.

As we enter the second half of the semester, it’s normal to feel stressed and a bit overwhelmed. There’s a lot going on – you’re taking midterms among other homework assignments and due dates, and juggling extracurricular activities on top of that!

We wanted to take this time to remind you of our health and wellness services here on campus to support you throughout your time at RIT.

  • The Student Health Center provides primary and urgent care services, ranging from support for acute medical concerns to sexual health and immunizations. If you’re not feeling well or poor eating habits are impacting your academic performance, schedule an appointment by contacting the office at 585-475-2255 or sending a secure message on the RIT Wellness Portal. Learn more >

  • Counseling and Psychological Services offers short-term, goal-focused individual therapy, group therapy, crisis support, and psychiatric services in an open, safe, and confidential environment. If you are struggling with mid-semester stress and need someone to talk to, schedule an appointment by contacting the office at 585-475-2261 or sending a secure message on the RIT Wellness Portal (select “Counseling Services – for General Questions”). Learn more >

  • The Case Management team assists students in connecting to resources on- and off-campus, as well as helping students navigate complex personal problems. If you have questions about health insurance, are experiencing food and/or housing insecurity, or have financial concerns, contact the Case Management team at casemanagement@rit.edu. Learn more >

  • Disability Services employs an interactive, student-centered process to determine and approve reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Accommodations can help mitigate barriers in any facet of the RIT experience, whether academic, residential, or co-curricular. If you are unsure if you have a disability or which accommodations are appropriate for you, connect with the Disability Services Office team at dso@rit.edu. Learn more >

Learn more about Wellness services and resources
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Manage your stress - put the phone down.

Being in college can be stressful enough without endless notifications popping up on your phone. For some, our phones decrease our stress but for many, it adds up. Even though technology helps keep you up to date, that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize your use. Try this:

  • Don’t go on your phone for the first half hour you are awake, instead, try reading a book for ten minutes, making your bed, or getting ready, even if you have nowhere to go.
  • Turn off as many push notifications as you can. 
  • Take distracting or time-wasting apps off your home screen. 
  • Set a goal to decrease your phone time by 15 minutes each day for a full week - see how you feel.
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Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact our mental and physical health.

Credit and Student Loans: Establishing and maintaining good credit is important for your financial wellness! One great way to positively build your credit score is to utilize your federal student loans. 

Having a loan in addition to other forms of credit, such as a credit card, will diversify your credit mix. Although having the loan plays a small part in your overall credit score, paying your loans on time and consistently is a great way to increase your credit score.

Hint: Start paying off your federal student loans before you graduate! Federal student loans do not have a penalty for paying early, and making a payment does not mean you have to pay every single month. Making small payments on either the balance or accrued interest will show up on your credit report and be counted as on-time payments, which will improve your credit history. Plus, you’ll be closer to paying off your student loans when you graduate!

Visit studentaid.gov to view your federal student loans, make a payment, estimate your monthly payments once you graduate, and complete Financial Awareness Counseling. Remember: Just a $20 monthly payment can make an impact and is a first step in your good credit journey!

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Mental Health Screenings with CaPS
Oct. 18-22

Mental health can affect anyone. You matter. Check-in with us on your mental health.
Stop by the Mental Health Screening table all week long to chat with a Counseling and Psychological Services professional and sign up for a free and confidential mental health screening. Screenings are 45 minutes long and are offered both in-person and virtually.

Check-in on your emotional health and learn about yourself and what might be available to help you if and when you need it.

Blood Pressure Checks IRL
Tuesday, Oct. 19
Campus Center Breezeway, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms. Occasional blood pressure checks can help detect any concerns. Stop by to check your blood pressure and take this small step towards improving your health!

Tigers Care Table
Tuesday, Oct. 19
Campus Center Breezeway, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Tigers Care is a campus-wide effort to enhance, promote, and sustain a culture of care and support at RIT. It’s who we are, how we act, and how we treat one another.

Stop by the Tigers Care Table to learn more about bystander intervention and take a chance at spinning the Tigers Care wheel! *Interpreter Requested

Learn more about Tigers Care

Diabetes Screening Quiz
Wednesday, Oct. 20
Campus Center Breezeway, 12:30-2 p.m.

Regular physical activity, such as walking for 30 minutes daily, reduces the risk of diabetes and other serious complications. Stop by this table to learn more about Diabetes and prevention measures!

Eye Exams IRL and Info on Physicals
Thursday, Oct. 21
Campus Center Breezeway, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Regular check-ups and physicals can help find potential health issues before they become a problem – stop by this table to learn more!

Farm to Fork and Further
Friday, Oct. 22
Student Alumni Union – Davis Room, 4-6 p.m.

Join Health Promotion, RIT Sustainability, and RIT Dining for a food-filled event on Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Alumni Union, Davis Room!

Farm to Fork and Further is an interactive food adventure where you can explore the concepts of sustainability, health, and food systems. Join us and learn fun food facts, connect with local leaders in the food industry, and sample delicious foods!

Learn more about Farm to Fork and Further

Public Market Bus
Saturday, Oct. 23

Interested in exploring the city of Rochester and all it has to offer? Take a free ride downtown and shop for fresh produce, ethnic delicacies, and more at the Rochester Public Market! The Public Market Bus will be running most Saturdays during the Fall Semester. Click here for a full list of Public Market Bus dates.

Getting There:

  • Pick up behind Grace Watson Hall 10:30 a.m.
  • Pick up Kate Gleason Circle 10:45 a.m.

Coming Back:

  • Leave market at 12:30 p.m.
  • Return to campus 1 p.m

No RSVP required. Bus is first-come, first-served until max capacity on the bus is reached.

Learn more about the Public Market Bus

Get Yourself Tested (GYT)
Oct. 25-29, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
August Center, Student Health Center

Did you know, half of all new STIs are in people under 25 years old in the U.S. (CDC, 2020)?

In fact, many STIs have no symptoms. The only way you can be sure of your status is to Get Yourself Tested. Register for an STI screening* at our annual Get Yourself Tested (GYT) screenings at wellnessportal.rit.edu.

Registration: wellnessportal.rit.edu
Once logged into the portal, select the Appt. Scheduling drop-down menu and select "1-STI Screening Week" to schedule a GYT screening.

Know Your Status. Get Yourself Tested.

*Payment options include insurance, fee for service, or utilization of our grant.

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.

 
rit.edu/wellness