Tag Archives: health

Mental Health Resources, Sexual Assault Services, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health

Presenting TimelyCare- A New, Free Telehealth Program For Students!

Northern Virginia Community College is excited to offer TimelyCare- a new, FREE telehealth program for students for students seeking mental health and wellness supports! The service will provide access to 24/7 virtual mental health care from anywhere in the United States via the TimelyCare app or the web on VCCS’ TimelyCare homepage for phone or video appointments.  Available services include:

  • TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand video access to a mental health professional for in-the-moment support for concerns like test anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, stress, break ups, feeling stuck, and suicidal ideation
  • Scheduled counseling with a licensed professional (up to 6 sessions a year)
  • Health coaching with lifestyle support for concerns like sleep issues, body image, physical health, nutrition, meal prep, etc.
  • Group sessions for weekly guided meditation, yoga, and monthly special topics seminars

You’ll never receive a bill, be asked to pay, or be asked to provide insurance information!  Registration with your VCCS email, an internet connection, and about 2 minutes is all you need to start; learn more and sign up at www.timelycare.com/vccs, download the TimelyCare app, or access from the Office of Wellness and Mental Health telehealth page today!

Dual enrolled students are not eligible to access these services and students under the age of 18 require parental permission to access telehealth services.  Please contact the Office of Wellness and Mental Health at wellness@nvcc.edu with any questions.

 

Events, Fun, Mental Health Resources, Resources, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health, Tips

August is Wellness Month! Tips to Focus on Your Wellness

 

Happy Wellness Month! More than ever, the need to focus on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness is apparent.  With just a few dedicated moments and strategies, you can keep your general wellness on track, lessening the pains and frustrations of life’s challenging moments.

While there are many facets and ways to focus on your wellness, consider focusing on the following, and coming up with a few of your own:

  1. Prioritize sleep.  Not getting restorative sleep sets the tone for your day, and puts your energy and focus at a deficit.  When you can, get an extra half hour or so of rest to prepare you for the next day.
  2. Stay hydrated.  Water consumption is fundamental to many bodily functions and processes, including thinking, movement, clear skin and sleep, so drink up!
  3. Practice gratitude.  We all are striving everyday to grow, and unfortunately, it can be easy to focus on what we do not have.  Instead, reflect on what you do have, and the strides you made to meet your needs and goals.
  4. Get well exams.  Regular check-ups with a doctor or other certified professional supports overall health by giving you a status on your physical wellbeing, as well as areas to focus on, if necessary.  Early intervention is the best intervention!
  5. Incorporate fruits/veggies.  A variety of produce in your daily food consumption not only supports your physical wellness, but they taste great!  Try out a new, colorful fruit/vegetable, or one you decided you did not like a child- maybe you’ll change your mind!
  6. Take a walk/get outside.  Fresh air is a necessity, and a great tool for centering yourself.  Pause and take in the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around you.
  7. Do something without expectation of something in return.  A great way to take the focus off of yourself, especially when you are not feeling the greatest, is to do a good deed for someone else.  The smile you give to another can bring yours back, too!
  8. Plan for setbacks.  Nothing goes our way 100% of the time, so a good way to prevent feeling devastated when life throws a hardship your way is to prepare for the possibility that tough times may come.  They are temporary; having skills, resources and supports in place will lessen their disruption.
  9. Practice deep breathing.  Have you ever sighed and realized that your jaw or fists are clenched?  Breathing not only supports physical processes, but our emotional and spiritual health as well.  Take a moment to engage in mindful breathing; focus on the present, and let go of the tension or worry you may be experiencing.
  10. Limit screen time.  Turn off the TV, log off social media, put down your phone.  Looking at screens too long is not only unhealthy for your eyes, but you may be engaged in internalizing negative stimuli, such as negative news stories, or people ranting online, and these can zap your mood.  Schedule your screen time to limit your exposure, and engage in some of the tips above!

What’s your favorite way to focus on your wellness?  Find a new strategy, and share it (or your tried and true methods) with a friend today!

Education, Events, Mental Health Resources, Public Safety, Resources, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health, Tip of the Week

World Human Rights Day

December 10 marks World Human Rights Day (HRD)!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on December 10, 1948, and the upholding and revisions of this document have been made by the United Nations (UN).  It aims to clearly define the rights of humans all over the world, as well as encourage people to stand up for the rights of others when they see violations of human rights, and harm being done to their fellow humans.

The theme for HRD 2020 is “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”.   In light of the global pandemic, it is even more imperative to highlight and fight for human rights while many are suffering, and struggling with their respective countries political and economic impacts on its citizens.  In the past, pioneers such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the current Dalai Lama have been recognized for their efforts for pervasive recognition of the rights of others.  Many such persons make efforts daily in support of this initiative; take the time to learn more about their contributions.

You do not have to be famous or a formal advocate to have an impact; treat others with, and expect them to treat you with dignity, respect, and common courtesy.  Speak up for injustices and wrongdoing that you see.  Contribute to local initiatives and committees that impact your neighborhoods and localities.  Learn about politicians and others in formal office and what they stand for, and fight for change where necessary.

You can learn more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights available in over 500 languages.  It is also available in a  simplified version, in an illustrated booklet, and in sign languages.   Share on social media with hashtag #humanrightsday!

Education, Events, Public Safety, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health, Tip of the Week

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day! The focus is to unite collectively to prevent new HIV infections, support those with HIV/AIDS status, and celebrate the memory of those who have lost their lives to HIV-related illnesses.  World AIDS Day is the first global health day, and was founded in 1988.  According to the CDC in 2018 (most recent statistics available), nearly 38,000 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in the United States, with people ages 25 to 34 representing the highest age group of new diagnoses.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells in the body that assist with fighting infections, and it makes a person more susceptible to other infections and illnesses.  HIV is spread through bodily fluids, such as those transferred through unprotected sexual activity with someone who is infected, through needle sharing, or other contacts where bodily fluids are exchanged.  If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).  There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but through the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people are living longer, healthier lives, and limiting the exposure of HIV to their loved ones.  Also,  pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can assist with limiting transmission through sex and substance use.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.  You can utilize a home self-test, locate HIV testing centers and resources, learn about PrEP, and use prophylaxis during sexual activity as options to protect yourself from exposure to HIV.  You can participate in the Red Ribbon Project, and through the use of the following hashtags social media: #WorldAIDSDay #WAD2020 #StopHIVTogether #EndHIVEpidemic #HIV

Let’s do what we can to stop the spread of HIV together!

NOVACares, Public Safety, Resources, Tip of the Week, Uncategorized

Tip of the Week: Staying Healthy During Flu Season

With cold and flu season swinging into full gear, it can be hard to make sure your immune system is keeping up with your everyday life. Here are a few tips that will help you stay healthy:
• Eat More Protein: Diets with low protein can lead to a weaker immune system so make sure you are incorporating protein into every meal!
• Try to be in the Sun: Vitamin D is a great way to help fight off a cold. If you believe you are not getting enough sunlight in your life, try to find foods that are high in Vitamin D like orange juice, cheese, tuna, and egg yolks!
• Drink Some Green Tea: Green tea has been known to be associated with good health because of its high levels of antioxidants, so skip the coffee and drink some tea!
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Your body will be susceptible to a cold if you are running on a couple hours of sleep every night. Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential tool to keep your immune system strong.
• Drink Lots of Fluids: Staying hydrated is an easy way to ensure your immune system is strong so make sure you drink lots of water!
• Practice Good Hygiene: Limiting your exposer to germs is essential to staying healthy. Try to take showers daily, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing!

For more tips about staying healthy throughout the semester, visit http://www.ulifeline.org/stay_well

Visit the NOVACares Resources page for more info: https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Performance, Resources, Tip of the Week, Uncategorized

Tip of the Week: Feeling Unmotivated?

Tip of the Week: Feeling Unmotivated? Coming back from winter break can make it hard getting back into the flow of the new semester. Here are a few tips on how to get back on track:
1.) Stay Organized: Keep all your papers, books, and assignments organized which will make your life so much easier. If you are organized and know where everything is, you will be more motivated to do your work rather if you know you have to look for it before you even begin.
2.) Create Goals: When you have a lot of assignments due, they can be overwhelming to think about let alone do. If you create a set of goals you want to achieve each day, it will make you feel less overwhelmed and feel even better once you cross them off your list.
3.) Take Breaks When Needed: If your body is screaming at you for a break, you should listen to it! Take a fifteen-minute walk outside or listen to music for thirty minutes. Allowing your mind to re-energize is a great way to come back and be even more motivated than before.
4.) Get a Good Night’s Sleep: You will not get anything done if you are running on a couple hours of sleep every night. Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential tool to keep you motivated throughout the day.
5.) Treat Your Self: There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a reward after finishing a hard assignment. Having something to look forward to after your assignment is a great way to motivate you to keep going and finish!

For more tips about staying emotionally healthy throughout the semester, visit http://www.ulifeline.org/stay_well

Visit the NOVACares Resources page for more info: https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Resources, Uncategorized

Tip of the Week: Alcohol Consumption

As they say, “everything in moderation”, including drinking alcohol. It can start to become a problem when you find yourself drinking more than just a night or two out, during earlier hours of the day, and/or when you are alone. Being exposed to a party culture and seeing your peers constantly drinking can lead to thinking “It doesn’t matter if I drink almost every day.”

Your workplace culture may have a happy hour session every day, and it may seem normal to consume alcohol on a daily basis. You may begin to find yourself under the influence during class or work. Increased uncontrollable consumption of alcohol will affect your friendships, family, and romantic relationships. Alcohol is addictive, and while there is no cure, there are plenty of treatments available.

To find resources or get more information on alcohol abuse, visit https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Alcohol choice in a head. A vector illustration