Beyond physical wellness

Student Health 101 isn’t a class. Instead, it is a paperless, online health magazine for students that addresses more than just preventative health procedures. Designed to encompass emotional, social, occupational and physical health, it is written by peer health educators and reviewed by a board that includes doctors and nurses.

Past editions have featured articles on dating health, body art safety, dealing with credit cards, beating stress during finals and a personal profile on social success, according to its website.

Although it is both a national and local publication, the first issue released at Portland State was in December 2009, according to Gwyn Ashcom, outreach coordinator for Student Health and Counseling.

“It’s encouraging, interactive, fun and informational—all rolled into one,” Ashcom said, who is excited about the interactive format, which includes informational videos.

In addition, PSU students can participate in real-time comments, as well as see and hear what other students from across the nation are saying.

PSU contributes some of its articles, while others come from national sources, according to Ashcom.
Comments are definitely considered when creating the publication, Ashcom said.

“It is important that students like what they see,” she said.

At PSU, Student Health 101 is a joint venture between SHAC and Campus Recreation. While the work is divided jointly, Campus Rec supports about 70 percent of the costs, Ashcom said.

According to Alex Accetta, director of Campus Rec, the department wants to support students in more ways than just working out on a treadmill. Accetta wants to reach a broader student population by utilizing multimedia approaches like Student Health 101.

He said he hopes providing this service to students will help “students be inspired to make healthy choices,” and that they will utilize the Rec Center and SHAC services.

During the week of April 26, a national college health assessment survey will be conducted at PSU using a random sampling of students, Ashcom said. These surveys will be used to determine content for Student Health 101, as will ideas from about 1,000 students nationwide. 

One of the goals of Student Health 101 at PSU is to teach students all of the aspects of wellness, said Erin Orndorf, fitness and health coordinator for Campus Rec. In addition, the magazine encourages students to develop lifelong skills that will help them stay healthy outside of the classroom.

The possibility of using PSU students as eyes and ears to report to the Student Health 101 board, internships and PSU health educators has been discussed but is not yet a reality, Ashcom said.

To sign up for Student Health 101, visit www.pdx.edu/healthycampus/student-health-101.

Contributing to Student Health 101
PSU students can submit event information or student organizations for use in Student Health 101 by video or written means. To submit, contact:
Gwen Ashcom at [email protected] or
Erin Orndorf  at [email protected]