My name is Jessica Monaghan and I am a student in an undergraduate science program at McMaster. First year university for many is a challenging adjustment period, and it was no different for me. Many times, it felt as though things would just keep getting worse no matter what I tried. I felt like there…

Why Vaccinate? Vaccinations are an important safety measure to protect yourself from diseases and its spread. Keeping up-to-date with your vaccinations not only protects yourself, but protects your community from contracting diseases. The more each person takes the initiative to get vaccinated the closer we are to reducing outbreaks of diseases. Vaccinations for University Students…

What is Harm Reduction Harm reduction does not enforce the abstinence of drugs, rather it takes a pragmatic approach to drug use by recognizing socio-ecological influences. There is not one single perspective to harm reduction, rather principles of harm reduction focus on the well-being of communities. The prioritization of harm reduction is to keep people…

You settle into your university dorm room. The excitement of breaking out of your old, programmed life begins to sink in. Shortly after, you’re bombarded with new tasks, people, and stressors. You lose your ‘normal,’ and you begin to feel homesick. The main reason people experience homesickness is not that they’re alone or miss “home.”…

Like many 20-somethings, it has been easy for me not to engage in my own health care regularly. Before writing this, I had never had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test done, despite being sexually active and caring about my own sexual health. I have always assumed that using condoms would protect me from an…

As you continue to navigate your way through the ups and downs of university life, taking steps towards living an active life becomes increasingly important. Active living doesn’t just mean going to the gym regularly, it means finding ways to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine and includes a number of activities, such as…

The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) was completed by a randomized sample of McMaster students, to gain a snapshot of the student population health status. From 1087 respondents, information about health behaviours, health indicators and student experience, were collected. The findings will be used to better understand the needs of the student population, to inform…

McMaster University offers a course named Health Studies 3BB3, it was through this course we had the opportunity to work with the Student Wellness Centre’s Education Team. Specifically, we focused on healthy masculinity and the need for a men’s wellness group at McMaster. Masculinity is a multi-dimensional intersectional determinant that interacts with the social determinants…

Sleep deprivation is often looked over in student life. It’s easy to normalize something as harmful as lack of sleep when you have papers, exams, assignments, and work to do. It’s important that sleeping habits aren’t overlooked in the name of academics, as not only can they have a detrimental impact on your academics, but…

The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey will be sent out to a randomized sample of McMaster students on January 24th. It includes questions on a wide range of topics, including alcohol use, sexual health, and mental health. The data collected from the survey helps to identify the wellness needs of the student population, as…

Your university life may be afflicted with constant bouts of exhaustion, poor sleep, anxiety and stress. You brush these off, deeming them as inevitable and temporary side-effects of your busy lifestyle. As the semester carries on, you notice the effects becoming more prominent and settling deeper by the day. A health-care professional may not seem…

The transition from highschool to university can be very difficult and in some cases affect one’s eating habits. University students are alarmingly vulnerable to eating disorders, many of which are prone to a binge eating disorder (BED). BEDs are characterized as a life-threatening eating disorder of compulsively eating a high intake of calories or abnormal…

We recommend that: First year students have a booster meningitis vaccine Your routine vaccinations, such as Tdap, MMR and Hepatitis B, are up to date You receive the HPV vaccines (if you didn’t receive them in high school) You receive the flu vaccine in the fall Call 905-525-9140 ext. 27700 or visit the SWC to book an appointment.

Being mindful is usually associated with meditation and wellbeing, but recent advances in the areas of mindfulness have applied it to other aspects of life, such as physical health. Did you know that applying mindfulness techniques to diet and exercise can better your physical health? According to Registered Dietitian Liana Bontempo from McMaster’s Hospitality Services, mindful eating…

With the advent of cannabis being legalized, there are bound to be new users. Unlike alcohol, there are no widely circulated guidelines for students to follow. For most users, safe usage is defined by those who introduce them to the substance. Unfortunately, those passing on their knowledge may also pass on their misconceptions. If you…

When was the last time you made art? Mandatory art class in elementary school? Lessons your parents made you take as a kid? The sand castle sculpture at the beach last summer? Needless to say, many university students do not view art as a component of their daily lives. However, any form of art can be used as…

As we move through life we will be met with challenges in various forms, and we may experience some of these challenges while in university. The ability to overcome challenges and thrive during difficult times is called resilience. Personal characteristics such as hope, optimism, self-compassion, the ability to problem solve, and the ability to build…

Despite having the highest prevalence of mental illness, people aged 16-24 are cited as being reluctant to seek help. For some, this stems from the desire to be self-reliant; others are concerned about inconvenience or don’t know where to go (Gulliver et al., 2010). Even without a mental illness, the university experience can be a stressful one. Between…

Working out shouldn’t be dreaded, nor should it be thought of as an impossible task that only varsity athletes, personal trainers or fitness experts can do. With the appropriate support system, incorporating daily physical activity into your schedule can be achieved. Why should you work out? First of all, it’s good for you – but…

For some, they thrive under the busy and fast-paced atmosphere of the city. But for others, it’s the small town-feel that allows them to flourish. In whichever setting you prefer, it is important to recognize the impact of nature on health. Even though Hamilton is considered a relatively urban community, it still has many green…

My inner critic revealed herself at a very young age. My first memory of deliberately berating my body was in Miss Thompson’s 4th grade classroom. I remember comparing my healthy, strong legs to those of the other little girls, and shamefully pulling down my shirt to cover my thighs. When my mother and I went…

For many young adults, the inspiration to eat healthier begins online. Health gurus on Instagram, YouTube, and personal blogs post beautiful pictures of food and detail the transformational effects of their diets on their health and happiness. For many, this is a helpful way to learn how to make healthy lifestyle modifications but for some,…

It’s Friday night and you have successfully made it through another busy week of textbook readings, midterms and assignments. You’re excited to finally have a night out. Surrounded by good music and your close friends, you pull out your phone to capture some moments of your night. Amidst all the selfie-taking, the attention of the…

Do your friends and family tell you that you OVER REACT to situations? Are you told you are TOO SENSITIVE? Can you STAY ANGRY for a long time? Are you IMPULSIVE and act on your emotions? Do your MOODS get in the way of living? If you answer YES you may be EMOTIONALLY VULNERABLE at…

Safer Sex Safer Sex means knowing what you are comfortable with, communicating with sexual partners, learning about and choosing options that can protect you from contracting or spreading STIs and getting tested. The following information will provide you with a general introduction and address some common questions regarding STIs, protection options and getting tested. What…

“I only smoke at parties or when hanging out with friends” “I only smoke on the weekends” “I don’t smoke, I only do hookah because it’s healthier” Do any of the above sound familiar? Did you know that many young adults who are smokers initially started off as identifying themselves as “social smokers”. Social smokers…

Fall 2017 brings a new school year with the renewal of concerns about stress among students. From navigating classes to keeping up with your social life, things can easily get overwhelming. Whether you're in your first or final year, mental wellness is important but can be difficult to prioritize. Everyone’s experience of mental health is…

In a society in which fast-food chains and pre-packaged meals continue to dominate, the idea of home cooked meals is becoming a thing of the past. There are many factors that have led people to turn away from the kitchen, such as time, cost, accessibility, and education - university students are no strangers to these…

An EpiPen is an epinephrine auto-injector used to treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal, and is considered a "treat first, then call for help" medical emergency. A single dose of epinephrine, properly administered, is extremely low risk and if given properly can save the person's life! 1) Keep your EpiPen…

“University will be the best and worst four years of your life." We hear that phrase a lot before we begin university, but we don’t realize the magnitude of truth contained within those words until the experience is upon us. Success and failure, love and heartbreak, joy and stress – these are all common experiences…

Q&A with Meaghan Ross, Sexual Violence Response Coordinator What are the benefits to having a sexual violence policy in place on campus? One benefit to having a sexual violence policy in place on campus is that the policy sets out a process for how sexual violence will be addressed at the university once a complaint…

Why is this important? As students, we are not immune to the all-nighters or the late night ‘Timmies’ runs to grab a coffee (or two) to fuel our brains. There may be a shared sense of community in knowing that your friends have also stayed up until 5am to finish that essay. It’s not uncommon…

Financial literacy is a problem on post-secondary campuses. The unfortunate reality is that this statement is not repeated nearly enough across universities or within our levels of government. Yet the statistics speak for themselves. A 2016 National College Health Assessment by the College Health Association showed 34.3% of student respondents admitted that finances had been…

Stress. Does that word cause you to break into a sweat? Does it make your stomach turn? Perhaps this is because you felt the effects of stress when you crammed for that paper the night before it was due. Or maybe you felt stress when you had to publicly speak in front of a large…

We’ve all heard the age-old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But is that really enough? Not according to Canada’s Food Guide, which recommends 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day for adults aged 19-50. If you’re thinking “Wow, I can barely fit 3 servings in,” you’re not alone. According to…

Let’s face it; we as a society avoid talking about sex. It seems as though we all have that slightly awkward conversation about the birds and bees during health education classes in high school and maybe even with our parents during an age they feel appropriate…and then that’s it. Even though it may seem a…

At the next party you attend, don’t be surprised when you meet someone who chooses not to drink alcohol or who chooses to only have 1 or 2 drinks. It is actually more common than you think (NCHA 2016). You don’t have to put alcohol in your cup. You could choose to not drink, choose…

The impact of mental health and other disability related concerns can affect many aspects of a student’s academic performance including attendance at class, studying, preparing and completing assignments, papers and labs, participating in group work, reading texts, and so forth. Students with disabilities are encouraged to consult with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) on their difficulties,…

Did you notice that sneaky "h" at the beginning of Chlamydia? Coincidentally, the conversation on the STI itself is equally silent, despite Chlamydia being the single most common STI in Hamilton*. How do I know it's Chlamydia? YOU DON'T. Chlamydia often has no visible symptoms, and even when it does, it can be similar to…

Did you know... 1 out of 3 people (ages 18-34) use online dating (2011 Leger marketing survey)   "We gazed into each other's eyes for hours... well, at least it seemed like it, I was on her profile for over an hour!" Since most of our days are spent gazing into a screen anyways, making…

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. So, why is it that some people maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle while others see their nutrition and fitness go out the window as soon as midterms come around? It comes down to the small, daily decisions we make. The McMaster Athletics & Recreation Centre…

Financial Matters Is your friend struggling with managing their budget and financial costs? Suggest applying for financial aid at school (OSAP, bursaries or in-course awards). If your friend is looking to make money, suggest finding a job through OSCARplus or workingatmcmaster.ca for jobs on and nearby to campus. The work-study program McWork is also available…

As university students, the academic term can become quite overwhelming. In the midst of balancing quizzes, midterms, presentations and assignments, it is easy to neglect other aspects of your life. For many, this usually involves sacrificing a good, balanced diet and regular exercise. Often, it is simply a matter of not knowing where to begin,…

In April 2012, SACHA (the Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton & Area) in partnership with the YWCA Hamilton, initiated a project at McMaster University focused on engaging students (ages 17-24) in the prevention of violence against young women on campus. The information gathered through the "It's Time" project informed eight key recommendations that could be…

MYTH vs. FACT There are a lot of common misconceptions about STIs – here are a few: MYTH: “If my partner has an STI, I’ll see it.” FACT: Some STIs have no visible signs or symptoms, or very mild signs that can be easily overlooked. Thus, anyone who is sexually active should have STI testing…

Take a second. Write one thing that you love about your body on a post-it note. For some of us, reflecting on what we love about our bodies is not an easy task. How we feel about ourselves can vary from individual to individual, but in general, body image is what we believe about our…

We probably see tobacco being used almost everyday on campus and this may be due to the fact that its use is most prevalent amongst young adults between the ages of 20-24. A sight that may be new to us is that of an individual smoking with a plastic cylinder known as an electronic cigarette…

What does wellbeing really mean? Over the course of Canada’s history, colonization, assimilation, and genocidal practices have been used by governmental sectors to eliminate Indigenous peoples and their ways of being. However, Indigenous peoples have persevered and are now working with one another and their allied services to revitalize their culture and improve health outcomes.…

It’s Monday morning and you wake with a start. Looking at the clock, you panic, realizing that you must have slept through your alarm and you’re late for class. You jump out of bed, getting ready as fast as possible before rushing out the door. Every student has been here before, but there’s an important…

POWER DOWN TO POWER UP!   We know that sleep is an important part of success. According to the 2013 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey completed at McMaster, 27% of students say that sleep has affected their academic performance. However, many of us are putting a good night’s rest in jeopardy for our electronic…

Three quarters of mental illnesses occur by the time individuals reach university age, amplifying the pre-existing stress of university life (Kessler, 2005). Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders diagnosed in students at the McMaster Student Wellness Centre. SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION INCLUDE: Little interest or pleasure in doing any activity Feeling down, depressed,…

"Motivation gets you started, but habit is what keeps you going... keeps you going through the snow and the rain… through the hurt and the pain. Fit is not a destination, it’s a way of life. Exercise is not a chore, it’s a love."   Whether you are a seasoned fitness expert or a newbie…

Real consent is mutual and sure. It is not muted, frail, hesitant, or afraid. It is never uncertain, assumed, or silent. Consent cannot be gained through manipulation, intimidation, or threatening behaviour. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs can’t give consent. Consent cannot be given by a person who is passed out or…

Did You Know? In the National College Health Assessment survey (2013), 13.7% of students at McMaster reported suffering from back pain in the past year! Back pain can have a variety of causes and leaves its victims with their backs up against a wall! What are the common causes of back pain and what can…

In looking at areas of mental health that are highly stigmatized, and not readily discussed, eating disorders would be near the top of this list. All genders can experience disordered eating, though many discussions importantly centre on the experience of those who are women-identified. A common misconception of eating disorders is that they are all…

“There are 104 days of summer vacation until school comes along just to end it, so the annual problem of our generation is finding a good way to spend it” – Phineas and Ferb.   There are a million and one ways you can spend your summer vacation but only five hundred seventy six thousand…

21% of students experienced at least one unwanted sexual experience 80% of victims know their perpetrator! The age group most affected? Those who are... 17-24 years of age   Gender-based violence is prominent at all university campuses. A study conducted by the University of Alberta found that 21% of students experienced at least one unwanted…

We constantly hear about how exercise is good for your heart, your body and your general health; however, there are also all kinds of not-strictly physical benefits to moving around on a regular basis! It’s good for your brain, it can clear your mind, reduce tension and increase energy. It can reduce symptoms of depression…

ARE YOU HAVING A HARD TIME... balancing your school work, relationships and hobbies? grasping the material in your classes? finding a career path that interests you? staying motivated at school? It’s fair to assume that at one point in our academic career, we have all come across some sort of struggle that we didn’t know…

Do you have some dip? Do you want to pack a lip? These are some questions I hear on Fridays and Saturdays. What may be commonly labeled “chew” is properly named snuff or smokeless tobacco. It is placed between the cheek and gum and it releases nicotine. Among my circle of friends, I see that…

Balancing between class schedules and irregular meal times can be difficult. And, being able to find healthy, suitable options can be even harder! However, regardless of your dietary choices or needs, there is bound to be an option on campus to suit your tastes. We interviewed four students with varying diets on their favourite campus…

When things get hot and heavy, using condoms during sex may be overlooked. To see where safe sex falls on your priority list, use the flow chart above as a guide.   In 2013, the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey uncovered information about McMaster students with regards to their sexual health. Shockingly, only 44.6%…

Meet Jamie, a McMaster student. Jamie does well in school, but has trouble with social situations. Whenever Jamie interacts with others or is the centre of attention, it causes feelings of anxiousness. Jamie is afraid to say or do something wrong, for fear of people’s judgements. Jamie’s anxiety is so overwhelming that it is necessary…

The post-secondary experience can be quite tricky at times. Between studying hard, partying with friends and staying connected to your "old" life, it is about finding a balance in learning to cope with these new academic and lifestyle challenges. In the midst of these changes, it can seem quite difficult to maintain a healthy diet,…

Many of us are all too familiar with the annual shift in our sleep schedule that the summertime brings: staying awake late into the night enjoying all the free time we were deprived of during school, and sleeping in past noon because the dreaded 8:30 a.m. mandatory tutorials are no longer calling at us. But,…

Stress is a hard thing to avoid. Often, you do not know what causes you to be stressed, until you are exactly that. Don't fret - stress happens to the best of us! Rest assured we've got you covered with a helpful breakdown of what stress is and how to stress less!   What is…

Imagine you are attending a post-exam celebration, and you bring along five close friends for an unforgettable night. You start talking to an acquaintance who you met briefly in class a few days ago, and they hand you a drink while your friends step outside for a few minutes. Other people who you also don't…

Hives? Difficulty Breathing? Dizziness? All of these symptoms may be a sign of a food allergy. A food allergy is an immune reaction to certain proteins found in food. Individuals with food allergies have immune systems that recognize these proteins or allergens as harmful, and initiate an immune response as it would to a bacteria…

Just as you were starting to get the hang of university – you learned how to do your laundry, you figured out how to navigate the basement of TSH, and you finally worked up the courage to go to office hours – you realize that it’s almost over. It’s almost OVER. You feel like you…

Hookah, or Sheesha bars and cafes are popping up more frequently throughout Southern Ontario, promoted as a social activity that is safer than cigarette smoking. The truth is that using a bong; water pipe or hookah is as unhealthy as smoking a cigarette. It can be more harmful. A hookah is essentially a water pipe…

"Will tonight be the night I 'lose my virginity'?" Tonight’s the night. Everything has to be perfect. I’ve been thinking about it for so long, but I really haven’t had much practice. What if I mess up? I’m glad it’s not a solo effort, but will my partner catch me if I fall? And what…

‘It’s a girl!’ the doctor exclaims. Your parents are ecstatic, they have always wanted a girl. Over the next few weeks family and friends bring over gifts for you, the new baby. Pink dresses, dolls, a pretty lace pram. From the moment you are born, a culturally defined gender identity is assigned to you. In…

Sunday night. 8 pm… 40% cumulative essay due in class tomorrow. "Why do I leave everything to the last minute? How am I going to get this done? I’m going to have to pull an all-nighter – but what will help me focus? Another energy drink wouldn’t hurt, right?" Most students have been in this situation…

As students, how much of our day do we spend sitting? Think about it for a minute. Sitting in class, sitting in front of a computer, sitting to watch TV…that is a lot of time being stationary! Now, did you know that there are risks associated with all of this sitting behaviour? Many current research…

"If there is anything I can do, just let me know" This is probably something we've all said to a friend going through a rough time. But, the reality is, most people dealing with a serious issue are not always able to recognize and express what they need.   Here are some suggestions: Lean on…

WHAT IS MEDITATION? Meditation is more than just sitting down crossed-legged with your eyes closed. It is about being aware of the sensations within you and around you. It is a simple, yet potentially life-transforming skill that can help you to relax and enhance your knowledge about yourself.   IS THERE MORE THAN ONE WAY…

When dining at a fine restaurant, should you eat different types of food on your plate individually or eat all of the food groups together? Should you dismiss yourself from the table if you need to sneeze or blow your nose? Table etiquette can get complicated, but it isn’t the only thing that requires your…