HealthierU ~ January 31, 2007

Here's to a HealthierU!

Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 1, 2007 ~ 4:15 PM ~ PAC 001
Darkness is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness
Lecture and Q&A with Dr. Kathryn Greene-McCreight '83, about her personal journey through severe bipolar disorder and questions about faith and suffering. Sponsored by Wesleyan Christian Fellowship and the Dean of the College.

Tips for a HealthierU
Fighting over money with a roommate or partner?
Go Ask Alice! at Columbia University provides insight into resolving the conflicts

Ever consider what kind of impact alcohol advertising might have on you?
The Center on Alcohol Marketing & Youth at Georgetown University has...and has the results.

If you're going to see the Film Series' showing of "Trainspotting" tomorrow....
Brush up on your heroin knowledge with the National Institutes of Health's Heroin Research Report

Announcements
Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Cardio Kickboxing, oh my!!
Registration is now open through Friday, February 9 for WesWELL's Non-credit class offerings in Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Cardio Kickboxing! Classes begin next week, so get registered soon! (Fees will be prorated for late registrants.) Complete details and online registration at WesWELL's Non-Credit Classes.

Quote of the Week
"Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything." ~ Mary Hemingway

Healthy Dose of Info on...Complementary & Alternative medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine generally refers to practices that aren't integral parts of conventional medicine. What is or isn't considered complementary and alternative medicine changes constantly as an increasing number of treatments undergo rigorous study and are proved to be effective or not.

Though the two terms are often grouped together, complementary medicine and alternative medicine aren't necessarily the same thing. Complementary treatments are often thought of as treatments used along with the conventional therapies your doctor may prescribe, such as using tai chi or massage in addition to prescription medicine for anxiety.

Alternative approaches are generally thought of as being used instead of conventional methods. For example, this might mean seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.

Many complementary and alternative medicine practitioners base their work around a few common principles. Some of these are similar to what your conventional doctor might do, while others are quite different. Basic philosophies of complementary and alternative medicine include:

Your body heals itself. Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners see themselves as facilitators. To them your body does all the healing work, and you only need treatment to encourage your natural healing processes.
Prevention is key. Your complementary and alternative medicine practitioner may wish to see you before you get sick to make sure you're doing all you can to keep yourself healthy.
Learning and healing go hand-in-hand. Your complementary and alternative medicine practitioner views himself or herself as a teacher and mentor who offers guidance. To the practitioner, you're the one who does the healing.

For examples of and additional information on complementary and alternative medicines and further information, follow the link below to MayoClinic.com.

~ Accessed at MayoClinic.com, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine/PN00001

For more information on Wesleyan's health offices, visit:
WesWELL, the Office of Health Education ~ www.wesleyan.edu/weswell
Health Services ~ www.wesleyan.edu/healthservices
Office of Behavioral Health for Students ~ www.wesleyan.edu/obhs

HealthierU is created and maintained by WesWELL, the Office of Health Education. Please direct any feedback or suggestions to Lisa Currie, Director of Health Education, at weswell@wesleyan.edu or 860.685.2466.

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