Student Health Services - The University of Iowa

Health Iowa Educational Programs


Relaxation Stations

This program occurs in a 'station' format - participants form small groups and work through a series of 4-5 stations trying various relaxation/stress reduction activities. After completion of the stations, a processing discussion allows participants to talk about what worked and what didn't, ask questions, get more information, or share their own tips for "getting a handle on stress". This program requires a room where participants have space to practice techniques with minimal outside noise or interruption. Program is most appropriate for smaller groups. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Mindfulness Practices

A great approach to stress management, this program offers discussion on staying "in the present" and learning techniques that can keep your mind from getting way ahead and causing distress. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Physical Activity
Taking Strides

Taking Strides

Learn how to use a pedometer to measure and set physical activity goals. You can check out a pedometer for free at Health Iowa. A great floor activity! Contact: amy-fletcher@uiowa.edu


Staying Physically Active

Learn about ways to stay active as a college student. We will discuss your activity challenges and common myths regarding physical activity and fitness. Contact: amy-fletcher@uiowa.edu

Fitness Assessments

Are you fit? This interactive program allows participants to be evaluated on various aspects of their physical fitness. Assessments include: blood pressure, body fat percentage, aerobic endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. This program can be completed in 1 or 2 hours. A great activity for a come and go crowd. Contact: amy-fletcher@uiowa.edu

Resistance Training Techniques

Participants are introduced to basic resistance training exercises for improving muscular strength and endurance. Participants will have the opportunity to practice various exercises and have their technique evaluated. *Participants are required to bring some form of resistance (such as dumbbells, books, soup cans, jugs of water, or any other creative "weight"). Contact: amy-fletcher@uiowa.edu

Starting a Walk/Run Club

Are your residents interesting in beginning a Walk/Run Club? We can provide instruction to help get you started. Contact: amy-fletcher@uiowa.edu

Sexual Health

Sex-Tac-Toe

This program is very interactive. Two teams compete by answering questions and completing activities in the areas of contraceptives, STDs, safe sex, and more. Great for medium to large sized audience. This program requires at least 10 people - consider partnering with other floors, if necessary. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Sex in the Dark

Want an evening for informal Q&A on sexual health? This is the program for you. Create a fun atmosphere for your floor (invite other floors as well) and have students anonymously write down questions they want answered. It might be beneficial to have either all female or all male participants, but certainly can have both. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Clean-n-Safe

The importance of protecting yourself during sexual encounters is discussed. Focus on symptoms and consequences of gonorrhea, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Choosing Contraception

Can be targeted specifically for a men's group or a women's group - This program discusses the pros and cons of the various methods of birth control and barrier protection against STIs. Different types of contraception and protection are brought for education. This program is full of questions and answers. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Nutrition

MyPyramid - What is it?

This program will discuss the MyPyramid approach to eating including meal and snack guides for residence hall students. Contact: katherine-mellen@uiowa.edu

So Just What Is "Healthy Eating"

Nutrition information whether truth or fiction is everywhere - including magazines and the internet. This seminar helps students understand what healthy eating involves, and, yes, this includes desserts! Length 45 - 60 minutes. Contact: katherine-mellen@uiowa.edu

What's to Eat?

Need help planning your own brown bag lunch or preparing something healthy in a hurry? If so this program is for you! Quick and easy recipes will be provided. Program length 45 - 60 minutes. Contact: katherine-mellen@uiowa.edu

Dining Hall Tour "Table Talk"

A dietitian will help students make the transition to eating healthy during the first year of college. Topics include: learning how to adjust to residence hall dining, healthy food choices while studying, and snack ideas to take while "on the go". Question and answer format lasting 45 - 60 minutes. Contact: katherine-mellen@uiowa.edu

Alcohol/Tobacco

Sam's Story

A 30-minute DVD will be shown about Sam Spady's story. Sam was a Colorado State University student who died of alcohol poisoning. Discussion about alcohol poisoning, (signs/symptoms) and helping a friend in a crisis. Sam Spady info cards will be distributed to all that attend. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

What is BAC?

Informative discussion about blood alcohol concentration. BAC wheels will be distributed and discussion will focus on correctly using them as well as differences between men and women and the effects of alcohol. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Let's Talk Tobacco

No lectures, just an opportunity to talk about tobacco use in a college environment. Everyone is welcome: non-smokers, occasional smokers and regular smokers. We'll discuss secondhand smoke, how occasional smokers become regular smokers and also where to go for help if you want to quit. We can tailor this to whatever topic is of interest. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

General Health

Women's/Men's Health

Not sure what to expect during a physical? This session provides opportunity to learn about the importance of regular physicals and ask questions about other concerns. We can also incorporate sexual health issues as well. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Womenopoly

An interactive, life-sized board game with questions and information about issues concerning women's health including physical activity, healthy eating, sexual health, stress and time management, and alcohol use. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

"Thanks for Sharing"

This session focuses on prevention of cold and flu with a UV fluorescent handwash demo. A great reminder that we can do a lot to protect ourselves from the common cold and flu. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Body Image Workshop

A fun, safe environment to discuss body image and real beauty. Many fun activities incorporated regarding the media and its role in our society. Come away with confidence and feeling good about yourself and others. Contact: katherine-mellen@uiowa.edu

Miscellaneous

"Table Talk"

This is an informal gathering over lunch/dinner time to ask questions or discuss any "health" topics of interest. We want to be in touch with what students want to know about. We can meet in a conference room off the dining halls or even downtown at a restaurant. "Table Talk" can be done with any of our staff members: health educator, dietitian, fitness specialist or substance abuse counselor. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

"Choose Health"

Making small, positive changes in daily routine can result in great health benefits. This session helps students make an "Action Plan" to implement realistic, achievable, healthy behaviors into everyday life. Contact: tanya-villhauer@uiowa.edu

Page updated: 3/27/08