Wellness is the state of being in optimum health. It is more than just an absence of illness or disease. The spiritual, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional dimensions of wellness are intricately intertwined, and play a significant role in student wellness and health. Student wellness is an area of emerging interest globally. The transition from childhood to adulthood is manifested by not only biological, but also emotional and social relationship changes. Habits and behaviors instilled early in life contribute to individuals’ health across their lifespan. 

The challenges that the college and senior students face are stress, early onset of diabetes, overweight and obesity, recreational drug use, sleep problems to name a few. Furthermore, the percentage of college students reporting psychological stress, depression and anxiety has greatly increased over the last decade. Risk factors such as lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, unhealthy behaviors, use of tobacco and alcohol place college students at risk for developing chronic non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes at an early age. Creating an environment in colleges and other educational institutions which promotes student health and wellness is imperative.

The symposium will provide a platform for students, educators, psychologists, counselors and healthcare practitioners to engage in collaborative dialogue and meaningful discussions addressing the core elements of student wellness. 

Identified Practice Gaps/Educational Needs

The symposium will provide attendees information on strategies that enhance and facilitate college student development and well-being. The symposium will allow participants to examine and discuss student wellness and its challenges and understand how counseling, self-care, and addressing lifestyle related risk factors are crucial to student wellness and ultimately for the health of future generations. The symposium will focus on thematic topics related to psychosocial support and emotional well-being, physical activity and fitness, nutrition, addiction, mental health, self-care and stress management, sleep and female wellness.

Objectives

At the end of the symposium, participants will be able to: 

1. Define and discuss key components of wellness. 
2. Identify critical issues which currently impact wellness with a focus on college students. 
3. Discuss perspectives, challenges and opportunities related to student wellness.

Target Audience

This course is intended for doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied healthcare professionals, students, educators, counselors and administrators.