Weekly Wellness Newsletter 2/20/24

February 20, 2024

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

Apply to be a Wellness Peer Educator
Application deadline: March 1

Are you an enthusiastic, passionate, and supportive student that is eager to make a difference in our RIT community? Apply to be a Wellness Peer Educator!

Our certified peer educators engage RIT students in peer-to-peer interactions and educational programs related to our six topic areas: Alcohol and Cannabis Education, Mental Wellness, Social Connection, Sexual Health Education, Sleep Management, and Stress Management.

Three students posing for a picture in front of a tree holding an RIT sign

Apply online by March 1! You can find the job description, application, and interview sign-ups on the employment page of the myLife portal. All interviews for approved applications will be conducted in person. Those offered a position will start in August 2024.

Questions? Contact Health Promotion at healthpromotion@rit.edu

Apply here

Join the Student Health Advisory Committee

The Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) is a diverse group of students charged with providing guidance to the Student Health Center regarding services delivered, the atmosphere in the health center, and any related concerns. Members are an important voice on campus, informing those in the health center and beyond about relevant health concerns for students. We are seeking thoughtful individuals that appreciate the value of working in a group and are passionate about improving the health and well-being of RIT students.

Interested? Apply by March 1

February is American Heart Month:
How to Reduce Sodium Intake on Campus

If you have a personal history of high blood pressure, it is recommended to lower the amount of sodium in your diet. Here are some tips to help reduce your sodium intake:

Rinse and drain sodium-containing canned foods such as beans, tuna, and vegetables before eating
Opt for fresh meat versus deli/luncheon meats, such as grilled chicken breast, turkey or beef burgers, and fish
Try some of the lower sodium options on campus, including:
Falafel or a turkey burger from Crossroads
Fruit and yogurt parfait from Artesano
Tuna melt on whole wheat bread from The Commons
Egg and cheese breakfast sandwich from Beanz

Get Connected with Nutrition Services at RIT

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

Baby Steps

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the semester won’t be done overnight.

To help keep you motivated this semester, try setting small, reasonable goals to keep you on track! Maybe one week you try to wake up on time for an 8 a.m. class you are chronically late for twice a week. Maybe you can create a reasonable study schedule that works for you to help keep you on track with homework (make sure to include snack breaks!). These little changes in our behavior sustained over time can lead to big changes later in the semester!

If you need to readjust a goal or do not meet a goal you set for yourself that week - that’s completely fine. You can always try again or try something else in place of that goal if you wish to continue with it. Don’t stress to be perfect, it is not worth it.

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!

Zzz’s Get Degrees Workshop
Thursday, February 22
6:30-7:30 p.m., Virtual/Zoom

Are you tired of being tired? Join the Health Promotion Peer Educators in a weekly workshop guided by the Zzz's Get Degrees journal and activity booklet to achieve better sleep! This is a supportive space for students to discuss sleep habits, struggles, and successes, as well as an opportunity to learn more about sleep management practices.

Zzz’s Get Degrees PJ Party and Sleep Challenge
Friday, March 1
7-9 p.m., SLC Upper Lobby

Do you like comfy PJ's, fun activities, snacks, and trivia?

Grab some friends and join Health Promotion in relaxing activities while exploring strategies to help improve your daily habits and overall sleep. 20-minute yoga sessions, trivia, DIY giveaways, and prizes! Plus, wear your best (appropriate) pajamas for a chance to win a prize in our Pajama Contest!

Interested in learning how you can get a better night's rest? Embark on a 30 day Sleep Challenge during the month of March to help make strides towards higher quality sleep! More information will be available at the PJ Party.

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.

Apply to be a Wellness Peer EducatorApplication deadline: March 1

Join the Student Health Advisory Committee

February is American Heart Month: How to Reduce Sodium Intake on Campus

Baby Steps

Wellness Events Calendar

Ongoing Education Opportunities

Apply to be a Wellness Peer Educator
Application deadline: March 1

February is American Heart Month:
How to Reduce Sodium Intake on Campus