UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
PAGE 2
Interesting health
tidbits to get you
thinking.
PAGES
drbUdng
How much do col
PAGE 4
ip
up
about those irmo*
*1
llliliill
Ip
What are those
Peer Health
Educators up to?
- - ,-/v ' 'XJ... •_’ *
WmWfflMAHH
Health
■* 'A
Happemn&s
Find out about
workshops and
other opportunities
through the Univer
sity Health Center.
Peace of Mind
tsy Annie uoamam
Common experience reveals that we often
tune out events or issues that we feel helpless
over. After all, we have only so much energy and
time to devote to our learning and passions. As
the spring issue ofWell Now goes to press, US in
volvement in international war remains a daunt
ing reality Regardless of our individual political
views, most would agree that this time in history
adds additional anxieties to an already stressful
life. Having friends and loved ones being
shipped out for possible combat and concerns
about safety while traveling take a large toll on
our hearts and minds. Along with this is the sor
row over the destruction that humanity wrecks
as we try to solve conflict with violence rather
than with diplomacy. Combine the frustrations
and helplessness that many students feel over
how our nation conducts itself overseas, with
the every day stressors of being a college stu
dent.
How can we maintain perspective without
either sinking into despair or checking out com
pletely? Fortunately our community has abun
dant opportunities and resources for fostering
peace of mind amidst turbulent times.
Start with the basics
Remembering basic self care is essential dur
ing stressful times. What we know when we are
well, we can loose sight of when we are feeling
low. Regular physical activity is a wonderful anti
dote to stress and blues, as it requires deep
breathing, increases circulation and can be a
form of relaxation as well as invigoration.
Preparing and eating wholesome meals, includ
ing fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and
legumes can help fortify our bodies as well as
serve as reminders that we are worth caring for,
regardless of the madness around us. Regular
sleep, drug use in moderation or not at all, stay
ing hydrated,enjoying nature, cultivating
love...all the standard practices of sound health
are perhaps even more critical during times of
increased stress.
Support on campus
The UO Counseling Center offers one on one
and group counseling for stress related difficul
ties. Students can drop in to schedule an ap
pointment or call 346-2770.
Check out their website at
http://darkwing. uoregon.edu/~counsel/re
sponse.htm for information on topics such as
• Coping with Terrorism
• Tips for College Students to Cope with Disasters
• Promoting a Healthy Recovery
• Emotional Health Issues for Victims
Public safety also has information posted on
their website (http://safetyweb.uoregon.edu/)
regarding emergency procedures. These re
sources are not intended to increase the alarm
on campus, but to provide appropriate response
to uncertain times.
Peace activism
There are numerous campus and local
groups that meet regularly to organize peace ac
tivities. Being involved in peaceful solutions can
be an excellent antidote to war related despair.
Check out any of the following for starters.
• HO students for peace
(http://gladstone.uoregqn.edu/~sfpeace) organize on
campus.
• Beyond War2003 (gaylelandt@att.net) is a non parti
san organization to change thinking and ways to re
solve conflict
• Eugene peace works (http://www.efn.org/~eugpeace/)
is aligned with Oregon Peace Works.
International Student Perspective:
How students can deal with added concern
By Mika Kim
A university is a place where a world of ideas co-ex
ist. At UO, this world of ideas includes students from all
over the world. Did you know that approximately 7%
of the UO student body is international students? As
you romanticize how wonderful it would be to have an
educational adventure of this sort, consider some of
the stressors faced by today’s international students.
In addition to the general stress that their domestic
classmates face (finances, studies, relationships, etc), in
ternational students are adjusting to a new culture.
Learning a new language can add to the difficulty of
cultural adjustment. On top of this, since September
11th, Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS)
has made stricter visa regulations on international stu
dents and scholars.This has impacted UO international
community by causing uncertainty, confusion and fear
for many.
Recognizing the difficulties international students
face, the UO Counseling Center offers some helpful
suggestions for dealing with stress and uncertainty.
First of all, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.
Then, reassure yourself that your feelings are normal
and legitimate.You might feel sad, lonely, angry or con
fused. It is OK to feel the way you feel! Ask yourself,
“What would be helpful for me right now?”And seek
International students enjoy each others company during the International coffee hour; every Friday
help. Remember, talking to someone is a sign of
strength and can help you feel like you are taking care of yourself!
As an international student from Japan, I have learned the power of talk
ing about what I am going through. Even though it is tempting to keep my
unpleasant feelings to myself, I have found that talking with others is very
helpful. When I miss home or get stressed, I talk to my boyfriend or friends.
A sense of connection and sharing my feelings with someone through dis
cussion helps me keep a healthy perspective.
Here are some useful resources for all international students.
• The Counseling Center is located on the 2nd flour of UO Health Center. Edel Davenport
leads a weekly group for international students for free. During this weekly meeting,
students share their experiences and concerns, explore their beliefs, and talk about
their changing roles in their new environment. According to Edel, by participating in
the group, international students learn to reduce their stress, develop more confi
dence in their ability to communicate in English and become more comfortable with
speaking-up during classes. The Counseling Center can be reached at346-3227.
• Office of International Program (OIP) will answer questions or concerns regarding
new visa and address regulations and academic issues. They are at346-3206.
• International Student Association (ISA) has coffee hours every Friday at 4:30 pm at
EMU tea lounge above the post office. This is a great opportunity to meet new people
firm other cultures. Everyone is welcome.
• International Student Health Series: A free workshop series at the health Center.
Wednesdays 5-6pm: April30 (stress reduction), May 14 (tobacco cessation), May 28
(contraception). Call346-0562for info.
International students have many ways to make our overseas experi
ence rich. Do not hesitate to seek out additional resources to further con
nect us with each other.