Physical Health | Student Health Services | SIU

Physical health is an essential component of wellbeing. It impacts our ability to perform daily activities, prevent illness, and reduces the risk of long-term health conditions. Physically well people enjoy a higher quality of life by focusing on the following:

Exercise: Regular engagement in moderately vigorous physical exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week. As a general rule, aim for about 30 minutes per day to condition and strengthen the body. You’ll find that consistent activity increases energy, improves sleep, and elevates your mood.

Sleep: Receiving consistently adequate amounts of quality sleep improves your overall health, mood, and brain performance. Sleep is required by our bodies to support physical and cognitive functioning, support your immune system, and regulate your emotions. Adults are recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Not getting enough quality sleep raises the risk of illness and diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. It also reduces our ability to concentrate and process information, and negatively impacts our mood and relationships.

Illness Prevention: The best way to maintain optimal physical health and prevent illness is to receive regular medical check-ups. Annual screenings and vaccinations reduce risk factors for certain health problems and help individuals make informed health decisions. Because of the dense social environment on campus, college students are more susceptible to illnesses, such as the flu, stomach bugs, and colds. Frequent handwashing helps reduce the spread of germs from common surfaces. It is also recommended to avoiding public places and/or wear a mask when you aren’t feeling well to avoid infecting others. Seeking the general care of medical professionals for injuries and illnesses can get you feeling better faster.

Medication Management: Vitamins, minerals, and medications are important resources for maintaining health, preventing illness, controlling symptoms, and treating health conditions. Consult with your medical provider about what is best for you before starting, changing, or stopping your vitamin and medicine regime. Read medication labels to be sure you are taking the right dose at the right time to receive the maximum benefit. Your chance for better health outcomes improves when you take your vitamins and medications as directed. To avoid skipping doses, organize your medications in pill containers and create a routine to take medicines with activities you do at the same time each day, such as after a meal or brushing your teeth. Reminders on your electronic devices are also helpful. Remember, sharing prescriptions with others, even when you intend to help them, is a dangerous misuse that could cause serious consequences.

Resources:

• Physical Wellness Toolkit
• Physical Activity
• Safely Taking Medications

Printable Flyers: 

• Best Healthcare Practices
• Preventing Illness
• Sleep
  • Sleep like a Saluki
  • Why do we need sleep
• Medication Management
• Hygiene
• Health in the Residence Halls