Sleep is an integral part of many processes in the body. Sleep deprivation can have negative consequences on the immune system, neurological function, and cardiovascular health (University of Rochester, 2025). Many college students do not prioritize sleep due to busy academic and social schedules, with up to 60% reporting poor sleep quality (PubMed, 2025). The…
Oral health is an essential part of our overall health. Everyday people use their teeth and gums to smile, speak, eat, laugh, and communicate with one another. Practicing good dental health ensures that these daily functions can continue along with preventing negative health outcomes such as gum disease and tooth decay. The mouth is the…
Physical activity comes in many forms, each specific to the individual. The overall goal is to get 150 minutes of physical activity each week while also doing some form of strength training twice a week. Types of physical activity include dancing, running, swimming, yoga, and more. Regular physical activity also contributes to better overall health…
Building healthy self-care habits is an important step in maintaining both your mental and physical health. Creating and maintaining habits that make you feel good can reduce stress and free up mental load, allowing you to show up more fully in other areas of your life. Fostering strong lifestyle habits and coping mechanisms can help you manage daily stress along with…
Consent is an informed, enthusiastic, and conscious decision by an adult to engage in mutual sexual activity of any kind. Consent is always willing and positive with no manipulation through force or intimidation. It is something that is always able to be revoked at any time. Once consent is given once, it is not an…
If you choose to engage in sexual activity, it’s important to do so in a manner that ensures safety for you and your sexual partners. Risky sexual behaviors can increase the incidence of STI’s and health complications; some of which can have lifelong effects. For this reason, the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness provides…
STI stands from Sexually Transmitted Infection and includes any virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite received through sexual contact. STI testing is very important, especially for college students who are meeting and interacting with individuals from different hometowns and walks of life. Getting STI tested regularly is a key factor in helping to reduce your risk of…
Consent is the free and voluntary agreement to participate in an activity. Understanding consent is important when entering new relationships because it respects everyone’s bodily autonomy, builds trust, and helps prevent boundaries from being crossed. Consent is not valid if someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, pressured into agreeing, or does not…
This week, Healthy Minds is highlighting some mental health resources that The University of Alabama offers for students and staff. A few examples are the Counseling Center, the Camellia Center, and Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services. There is also a 24/7 crisis counselor available by phone at 205-348-5454. Defining Mental Health The World Health Organization…
Collegiate recovery programs provide students with support, education, and community related to substance use and recovery. At The University of Alabama, Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services (CRIS) supports students across a continuum of care, from prevention and exploring high-risk behaviors to active recovery from addiction. CRIS also works to reduce stigma and create a supportive,…
