Weekly Wellness Newsletter 2/13/24

February 13, 2024

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

Spread Love, Not Germs

As the cold, winter weather continues and we are spending most of our time indoors, it’s important for us to do what we can to help stop the spread of germs.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough or sneeze
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick
Avoid or minimize contact with sick people

Don't kiss your hunny when your nose is runny. You may think it's funny but it's snot.

If you are feeling ill, the Student Health Center is here to help. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You can schedule, change, or cancel an appointment on the RIT Wellness Portal, or by contacting the office at 585-475-2255.

After-hours care is also available for immediate medical concerns when the Student Health Center is closed. Call the office at 585-475-2255 and select the nurse advice option.

Learn more about the Student Health Center

February is American Heart Month:
Protein and Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, consuming a variety of lean proteins from both plant and animal sources can help you live a heart healthy lifestyle. Here are some examples of lean proteins that promote heart health.

Legumes such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, split peas, and soybeans
Nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, and pecans
Seeds such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
Fish and seafood such as trout, salmon, tuna, calamari, crab, scallops and oysters

What about red meat?

The American Heart Association states that limiting red meat consumption to 1-3 meals of lean meat a week can have a big impact on improving heart health. Opt in for lean cuts of red meat and remove visible fat before cooking.

Get Connected with Nutrition Services at RIT

Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Love for Valentine's Day

Not “in love” with the day that’s all about love? Totally understandable. If you find this particular day to be lonely and stressful, or you just need an excuse to make some time for self-care, here are some ways to show yourself some love today:

Focus on you
Take a nap, enjoy the outdoors, eat your favorite food. You’ll be surprised how quickly your favorite things will boost your mood.
Catch up with a friend
When times are tough, you want your best friend nearby. Invite a friend to grab a coffee at Java’s, order some nachos at Salsarita’s, or bundle up for a walk around campus.
Perform a random act of kindness
When we do something kind or thoughtful for others, our feeling of well-being is boosted. Try holding the door for someone on your way to class.
Seek support if you need it
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. And RIT has so many resources available to support you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, stop by Counseling and Psychological Services.

Tell Me Something Good written in black text on a yellow background graphic

Grateful to be Your Valentine!

There are many ways you can show yourself and others how much you love and care for them. Two of the best ways to do so are to practice gratitude and to practice kindness!

Write someone a thank you note! Count your blessings! Surprise a loved one with a treat! Do a random act of kindness for a stranger! Give yourself or someone else a compliment!

No matter what, today is always a good day to start being kind to yourself or continue being kind to yourself. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wellness Events Calendar

We’ve put together a Wellness Events Calendar to compile all the RIT Wellness events and programs in one easy place to find and refer back to all semester long. This includes CaPS workshops and groups, Mental Health First Aid training opportunities, Bow Wow Wellness, and more.

Be sure to save this page, as we’re always adding new events and programs throughout the semester!

Wellness Events Calendar

Women in Weightlifting
Saturdays, 4-6 p.m.
Meet in Classroom 1325 in the Student Life Center (SLC)

Want to start strength training in supportive group setting? With the help of a WFC Personal Trainer, participants will learn how to use barbells, kettlebells and dumbbells to increase strength, mobility and confidence in the gym. The first hour will include instruction on various strength exercises and the opportunity to get hands-on help with your lifts. The second hour will be an opportunity to lift in the company of other women. All fitness levels are welcome. This program is for women and female-identifying friends only!

Play It Safe in the Dark
Friday, February 16
SHED Glass Box Theater, 3-4 p.m.

Health Promotion and Student Health Center are teaming up with CAB to Present: Play it Safe in the Dark!

Dive into the world of sex with Health Promotion and the Student Health Center! Spice up your knowledge on all things intimate by submit your burning questions anonymously via your phone and getting answers from a trusted professional. Join us on February 16 in the SHED Glass Box Theater from 3-4 p.m. Grab a glowstick, and charge up that device. Let's turn down the lights for a candid conversation about all things S-E-X!

Learn more and register

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Friday, February 16
Ingle Auditorium, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, February 17
Ingle Auditorium, 7-10 p.m.

Sunday, February 18
Ingle Auditorium, 3-6 p.m.

Get off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with captivating stories from the 48th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. Stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2023/2024 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out! A different line-up of films each night, and all films are captioned. Sign language interpreters available by request. Tickets on Sale now.

Learn more

Spring Intramural Tournaments

Join us for single-day tournaments showcasing a variety of activities! This spring, we are offering Pickleball, Table Tennis, and Cornhole. Tournaments are a great way to relax and try something new!

Pickleball (Doubles) – February 24 | 6-11 p.m.
Table Tennis (Doubles) | March 23 1-6 p.m.
Cornhole (Doubles) | April 20 1-6 p.m.

Registration will open three weeks before the tournament begins!

Monthly Fitness Clinic: Cardio Synergy
Sunday, February 25
SLC Lower Dance Studio, 12-2 p.m.

Break free from the monotony of conventional cardio routines! Cardio Synergy introduces you to a world of possibilities. Our expert WFC trainers are dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge to program cardio for specific goals. Whether you are looking to lose weight or gain muscle, we’ve got the insights to guide you on your fitness journey!

Ongoing Education Opportunities

Mental Health First Aid at RIT

RIT Wellness is excited to offer all students, faculty, and staff members of the RIT community the opportunity to participate in Mental Health First Aid training sessions this spring.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training course, in which you will:

Learn how to describe and talk about mental health, openly and non-judgmentally
Learn how to approach, reassure, and support a fellow RIT community member when they may be struggling with their mental health
Explore what self-care looks like for you with practical applications of self-care

To participate in a Mental Health First Aid training session, you can either request a session for your group or register for a scheduled session. If you have any questions, please contact Beau Gibbs at bmghcw@rit.edu.

Learn more about Mental Health First Aid at RIT

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

Spread Love, Not Germs

February is American Heart Month: Protein and Heart Health

Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Love for Valentine's Day

Grateful to be Your Valentine!

Wellness Events Calendar

Ongoing Education Opportunities

February is American Heart Month:
Protein and Heart Health